US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Hold Talks with South Korean Counterpart Amid Political Crisis
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in South Korea late Sunday, where he will seek to encourage continuity with the policies, but not tactics, of the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Blinken will hold talks with counterpart Cho Tae-yul on Monday, the same day a warrant expires to arrest suspended President Yoon who unsuccessfully tried to impose martial law on December 3.
Seoul: A Crucial Stop on Blinken’s Final Trip
Seoul is the first stop on what will likely be Blinken’s final trip as the top US diplomat as he seeks to highlight President Joe Biden’s record rallying democratic allies before the return of the more mercurial Donald Trump. Blinken will head afterwards to Tokyo, making it crucial in the eyes of his advisors not to snub South Korea, which has a fraught and often competitive relationship with Japan, a fellow US ally also home to thousands of American troops.
A Change in Both Allies
Blinken’s visit comes at a time of change for both countries, with Trump returning to the White House on January 20. Paradoxically, while Biden worked closely with the conservative Yoon, Trump in his first term enjoyed a warm relationship with then progressive president Moon Jae-in, who encouraged the US president’s groundbreaking personal diplomacy with North Korea.
Navigating the Political Crisis
Blinken may face some criticism from the South Korean left for the visit, but should be able to navigate the political crisis, said Sydney Seiler, a former US intelligence officer focused on Korea now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Blinken has a high enough profile to be above the fray, and can keep the focus on challenges such as China and North Korea, he said.
Continuity and Cooperation
In a statement, the state department did not directly mention the political crisis but said Blinken would seek to preserve trilateral cooperation with Japan, which has included enhanced intelligence sharing on North Korea.
Conclusion
Blinken’s visit to South Korea is a crucial opportunity for the US to demonstrate its commitment to the region and its allies, despite the ongoing political crisis. By highlighting the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions and promoting cooperation with Japan, Blinken can help to stabilize the situation and set the stage for a brighter future for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea?
A: Blinken will seek to encourage continuity with the policies, but not tactics, of the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Q: Who will Blinken meet during his visit?
A: Blinken will hold talks with counterpart Cho Tae-yul on Monday.
Q: What are the challenges facing South Korea and the US?
A: The country is facing a political crisis, with a warrant to arrest suspended President Yoon, and the US is dealing with the return of Donald Trump, who has a different approach to foreign policy.