Just before Trump's visit to China… Bessent visits South Korea and Japan
It has been reported that, just prior to U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will make consecutive visits to Japan and South Korea. Analysts believe this move carries a nature of "pre-coordination" ahead of the U.S.-China summit, likely focusing on discussions regarding America’s economic and security strategies in Asia.
On the local day of the 10th, Bessent posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): "Before President Trump’s historic summit meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing, I will depart on the 11th for Japan and South Korea to attend meetings."
He stated: "On the 12th, I will visit Tokyo, Japan, where I will meet with government officials including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Finance Minister Kōtsu Hagiwara, as well as representatives from both public and private sectors, to discuss U.S.-Japan economic relations."
He added: "On the 13th, I will travel to Seoul, followed by Beijing, where I will join President Trump’s summit agenda with Chinese leadership."
He concluded: "Economic security is national security," and expressed his hope for constructive dialogue to advance President Trump’s 'America First' economic agenda.
As strategic competition between the U.S. and China continues to intensify, Bessent’s tour of Japan and South Korea is seen as an effort to reaffirm economic and security cooperation with allied nations Japan and South Korea, and to coordinate policy toward China, ahead of his visit to China.
Previously, Trump had planned to visit China from March 31 to April 2, but due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, he said, "I cannot leave the country during wartime," postponing the trip to May 14–15.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864864743869447/
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