Visiting India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia from the 25th
Seems intended to check China
Cancelled Korea-Mongolia visit not scheduled
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on the 25th (local time) that he will visit India, Indonesia, and other countries, the State Department said.
Secretary Pompeo had previously canceled his scheduled visit to South Korea earlier this month and was expected to visit South Korea around the end of the month, but with the U.S. presidential election imminent, it seems practically difficult.
The State Department announced on the 21st that Secretary Pompeo will visit New Delhi, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mal?, Maldives; and Jakarta, Indonesia from the 25th to the 30th.
Secretary Pompeo is scheduled to hold the 3rd annual '2+2' meeting with Indian officials alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. The U.S. side is expected to seek to strengthen cooperation with India to counter China in India and the Indo-Pacific region during this meeting. India is a member of the 'Quad' consultative group.
The State Department also explained that the purpose of the visits to Sri Lanka and Indonesia is to reaffirm the two countries' vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
However, Secretary Pompeo's current Asia tour does not include visits to South Korea and Mongolia, which were canceled due to President Donald Trump's COVID-19 infection.
The State Department had previously stated, "Secretary Pompeo is expected to revisit Asia in October and will adjust his visit schedule accordingly."
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