Trump to embark on five-nation trip to Asia to strengthen resolve against North Korea

The White House has announced a five-nation tour for President Trump, in response to growing tensions with North Korea. Between Nov. 3 and Nov. 14, Trump will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, to gather support for the "complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," a White House press release stated.

The trip will build upon previous talks of denuclearization from the administration. Tensions rose with Pyongyang on Monday when North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho threatened to shoot down American military planes — regardless of whether they flew into North Korea's airspace — after feeling provoked by one of Trump's tweets.

While the trip will make North Korea's denuclearization a priority, Trump will also focus on strengthening economic ties in the region. He will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, planning to emphasize the importance of free trade at the engagements.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up