Mr. Biden arrives in Korea, begins his tour of Asia
US President Joe Biden stepped out of the Air Force Once he arrived in Korea – Photo: REUTERS
South Korea is the first stop on Biden’s Asia tour.
According to Reuters news agency, the US President is expected to meet the new President Yoon Suk Yeol. The two leaders will tour the Samsung Electronics factory together before attending events the next day.
Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin welcomes US President – Photo: REUTERS
During this trip, Mr. Biden is said to focus on two issues: China’s increasing presence in the region and North Korea.
Reuters news agency assessed that South Korea may be more cautious when talking about China, because Beijing is Seoul’s top trading partner.
South Korea is expected to be one of the first members of Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which will set a variety of labor, environmental and supply chain standards.
When asked about China’s opposition to the IPEF, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said joining the framework does not contradict South Korea’s economic relations with China.
Mr. Biden greets US troops at Osan Air Base – Photo: REUTERS
Mr. Yoon and Mr. Biden will also face North Korea. Recently, leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly tested weapons and is expected to test a nuclear bomb during Biden’s trip to Asia.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said US-South Korean cooperation with Japan “will only strengthen in the face of further provocations” by North Korea.
“We’re prepared for that,” Sullivan said, adding that Washington would take action in the region if North Korea provokes during this time.
Previously, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he would take a tougher line on Pyongyang than his predecessor. Mr. Yoon even threatened a pre-emptive strike if there were signs of an attack and asked to strengthen defenses.
Washington has said it is ready to negotiate directly with Kim Jong Un at any time. During this visit, Mr. Biden will not visit the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae Yong welcomed Mr. Biden to visit the factory – Photo: REUTERS
This is the first time Mr. Biden and the new President of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol met face-to-face – Photo: REUTERS
According to Radio Asahi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is expected to announce the increase in defense spending at a meeting with US President Joe Biden next week.
Asahi said reaffirming the US-Japan alliance to counter China was one of the top priorities on the two sides’ agendas.
at Blogtuan.info – Source: tuoitre.vn – Read the original article here
