Washington, April 28 (BNA): President Joe Biden will travel next month to South Korea and Japan on his first trip to Asia since taking office last year to consult with allies on the growing threats from China and North Korea.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced the May 20-24 trip on Wednesday. Both allies host large US military units, and the trip comes as North Korea has stepped up its nuclear missile tests and China has become more assertive in the region, The Associated Press reports.
Psaki said Biden will meet separately with newly elected Republic of Korea President Yoon Seok-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
In Tokyo, Biden will also meet the so-called “Quartet” – which also includes Australia, Japan and India – as they aim to forge stronger partnerships to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region.
This will be Biden’s fourth foreign trip as president. Travel to Poland and Belgium in March.