US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea amid ongoing political turmoil in the country. Secretary of State Blinken said he will discuss how to advance efforts to promote a “free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific” while in Seoul. A press release issued by the US State Department said, “Secretary of State Blinken will visit South Korea, Japan, and France from January 4 to 9.”
Secretary Blinken will meet with senior Korean government officials to reaffirm the United States and South Korea alliance and discuss how we can advance our critical cooperation on global challenges based on our shared values. “The Secretary will also discuss how the United States and South Korea can strengthen our trilateral efforts with Japan to secure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the State Department said.
“In Japan, Secretary Blinken will review with senior Japanese government officials the progress the U.S.-Japan alliance has made over the past few years. Secretary Blinken will reaffirm the importance of the alliance in addressing a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues and continue the momentum of U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation. In France, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior French officials as part of the U.S. partnership to address challenges in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Meanwhile, Blinken also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati on Saturday. The US State Department said, “Secretary Blinken and his Egyptian counterpart discussed the latest developments in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, increase the flow of humanitarian assistance, and reach a ceasefire to end the fighting. They also discussed the situation in Syria.”
Conclusion:
Korea
Blinken’s visit comes during a political crisis following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on December 3, 2024, and is under investigation for insurrection.
In this context, Blinken seeks to reaffirm the “ironclad” U.S.-South Korea alliance and discuss ways to build on critical cooperation based on shared values. Key topics include promoting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and enhancing trilateral efforts with Japan.
Japan
In Tokyo, Blinken plans to review the significant progress in the U.S.-Japan alliance over the past few years. This includes discussions on a recent $3.64 billion missile sales approval, which underscores the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.
The visit also aims to address a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, building on the momentum of U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation.
