US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to begin what is anticipated to be his last overseas trip as Secretary of State this Sunday, with visits planned to South Korea, Japan, and France.
The State Department confirmed the trip, emphasizing Blinken’s focus on strengthening alliances and addressing key geopolitical challenges in Asia and Europe.
In South Korea, Blinken’s visit comes amid political turmoil following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who briefly declared martial law before being removed from office. The situation has cast a shadow over Washington-Seoul relations, though US officials have reiterated that the alliance remains “intact and iron-clad.” Discussions in Seoul will center on reinforcing cooperation on global challenges rooted in “shared values,” according to a State Department statement.
Blinken’s agenda also includes the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to counter China’s regional influence and address the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
In Japan, Blinken will focus on reviewing recent advancements in the US-Japan alliance. Among these is a $3.64 billion (€3.53 billion) arms sale agreement announced last week, which includes medium-range missiles, equipment, and training for Japan’s defense forces. The sale has drawn criticism from China, which claims it could destabilize the region, accusations firmly rejected by both Japan and the US.
The Secretary of State will conclude his trip in Paris, where discussions with French officials will center on developments in the Middle East and European security issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.
