22 July
US National Security Advisor John Bolton will visit Japan and South Korea this week as the two countries are embroiled in a trade dispute. In Japan, he will also likely discuss the issue of escalating tensions over Iran.
National Security Council spokesperson Garret Marquis tweeted on Saturday that Bolton had departed for the two Asian nations.
Bolton is expected to discuss with Japanese officials the deteriorating relations with South Korea over a wartime labor dispute and Japan's export curbs.
He will likely call on the two sides to settle the issue through dialogue, considering that they are critical allies of the United States.
President Donald Trump has hinted at his willingness to mediate.
Bolton, who is known as a hardliner on Iran, may also ask Japanese officials to take part in the US-proposed coalition to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.
NHK
