US Democratic Senate Leader to Visit Korea, China, and Japan Next Week

A delegation of lawmakers from both parties, including Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader of the U.S. Democratic Party, will consecutively visit South Korea, Japan, and China.

Schumer's office confirmed this schedule on the 3rd (local time). It is reported that a total of six lawmakers, including Republican Senator Mike Crapo, will participate in this visit.

During this tour, the delegation plans to meet with key political and business leaders, including the parliaments of each country. In South Korea, they are expected to exchange views on regional issues such as North Korea's ongoing provocations and the recent North Korea-Russia military closeness, and to reiterate the necessity of U.S.-South Korea and U.S.-South Korea-Japan cooperation. Discussions are also expected on supply chains and investment expansion in core industries such as semiconductors and batteries.

During the visit to China, they plan to raise concerns regarding sanctions targeting the U.S. semiconductor company Micron. Schumer has been known as a hardliner on China in the Senate, having consistently advocated for stronger regulations on Chinese semiconductors. Schumer's office explained, "This visit will focus on maintaining America's edge in advanced technologies related to national security and raising issues of reciprocity in the business operations of American companies in China."

Earlier, Senator Crapo disclosed his upcoming visit to China next week and stated that he is seeking a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is pursuing a face-to-face meeting with President Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in San Francisco this November.