US Secretary of State Blincoln promotes visit to Japan… Call for restoration of Korea-Japan relations

Several diplomatic sources reported that US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln is in last-minute discussions with the two governments on the schedule of a series of visits to Korea and Japan in the third week of March. Currently, it is in the final stage of coordination with the ROK and Japan over the specific timing and agenda of the visit. A diplomatic source said, “It is highly likely that Minister Blincoln will visit Korea and Japan, allies in Northeast Asia, in the third week of March around the 15th.” It is highly likely to do it.”

Minister Blincoln has been considering visiting Asia-Pacific regions since the approval plan was passed in January, but external activities have been restricted due to the influence of Corona 19 and the like. President Joe Biden held the first bilateral summit after taking office with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the 23rd of last month (local time), which was enough to proceed with burns due to the influence of Corona 19. When Minister Blincoln’s visit to Korea is realized, it is the first case of Biden’s administration’s minister to visit Korea. In particular, Blincoln’s consecutive visits to the two countries can be interpreted as meaning that the Biden administration puts the restoration of the trilateral alliance between Korea, the United States, and Japan a top priority in foreign policy.

If Secretary Blincoln’s visit to Korea takes place in the third week of March, it is expected that this will be the point in time that the defense cost-sharing agreement (SMA), the biggest issue between Korea and the United States, has actually reached a conclusion. ROK-US defense cost-sharing negotiation ambassador Jung Eun-bo left for Washington for the 9th meeting of the negotiations on the 4th and said, “I have a lot of sympathy through many discussions,” and “I look forward to reaching a conclusion as soon as possible. If the defense cost share negotiations are concluded and Minister Blincoln’s visit to Korea is reached, it is expected that the biden administration’s stance to restore the ROK-US alliance will be clearly revealed.

Some observers say that not only Secretary of Defense Blincoln but also US Secretary of Defense Paul Austin will join the schedule of this visit to Japan. Reuters reported on the 4th that “Minister Blincoln and Secretary Austin are discussing the schedule of their visit to Japan from the 15th of this month.” The media analyzed the schedule of Ministers Blincoln and Austin’s visit to Japan as “a plan that the Japanese government will use as an opportunity to confirm the alliance with the Biden administration with China in mind.”

Japan’s Nihon TV also reported that the ministers Blincoln and Austin are coordinating plans to visit Japan on the 15-17th schedule, citing multiple government officials. The report also stated that Ministers Blincoln and Austin are considering a plan to hold a 2+2 ministerial meeting with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. Nihon TV said in particular regarding Blincoln’s visit to Japan, “Minister Blincoln previously made a speech defining China as the only country to challenge the open international order.” It is expected that there will be discussions with the Japanese side.”

Tokyo = Correspondent Lee Young-hee [email protected]