Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to undertake what is anticipated to be his final international journey in his current role this weekend, with plans to visit South Korea, Japan, and France.
The State Department confirmed on Friday that his trip would commence on Sunday, taking him to Seoul, Tokyo, and Paris throughout the week.
During his visit to South Korea, which is experiencing significant political unrest in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, Blinken aims to emphasize the strengthening of U.S. ties with both South Korea and Japan, as part of the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
This strategy is mainly focused on curbing China’s influence in the region while also addressing the nuclear threats posed by North Korea.
Nevertheless, the political situation in South Korea, which followed President Yoon’s declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment, has raised concerns about the consistency of U.S.-South Korea relations.
In response to the ongoing uncertainty, U.S. officials have approached the situation with caution, asserting that the alliance with South Korea remains steadfast and strong.
During his discussions with South Korean leaders, Blinken will address the need to continue building on vital cooperation in addressing global challenges, reflecting their shared values, as noted in a State Department statement.
Once in Tokyo, Blinken is expected to assess the significant advancements made in the U.S.-Japan alliance over recent years.
This assessment follows a substantial arms sales approval announced on Friday, which will see the U.S. provide Japan with approximately $3.64 billion worth of medium-range missiles, along with related training and equipment.
China has expressed concerns regarding the potential ramifications of this sale, claiming it could destabilize the region; however, both Japan and the U.S. have refuted these claims.
Blinken’s trip will conclude in Paris, where he plans to engage in discussions with French officials regarding key issues, particularly those concerning developments in the Middle East and security matters in Europe, with a notable emphasis on the current situation in Ukraine.
