President Donald Trump would reaffirm the American leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region during his maiden trip to Asia in November, the White House has said.
Ten months into the world’s most powerful executive office, the US president would embark on a two-week-long trip to Asia.
“The president’s travel is going to underscore his commitment to longstanding United States alliances and partnerships and reaffirm the United States leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” a senior administration official told reporters in a preview of the trip.
Trump himself told reporters in a joint media appearance with the visiting Prime Minister of Singapore that he is looking forward to his trip to Asia from November 3 to 14.
“This trip will be the president’s longest to date, underscoring the importance that he places on the Indo-Pacific region,” the senior administration official said.
While his visits to Japan, South Korea and China, are bilateral one, during his stops in Vietnam and the Philippines, Trump will be participating in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and the US ASEAN Summit.
In Vietnam and Philippines, Trump also plans to hold bilateral and tri-lateral meetings with other world leaders, details of which are still being worked out.
Trump would embark on his Indo-Pacific sojourn on November 3 via Hawaii wherein he will receive a briefing from the US Pacific Command. He will also visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
The president will officially commence his visit to Asia beginning with Japan on November 5.
In Japan, “he is going to affirm the US-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone for regional peace and security,” the official said adding that he will focus on ways for the US and Japan to work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
During his state visit to South Korea on November 7, Trump will participate in bilateral meetings with President Moon Jae-in and also visit American and South Korean service members.
The next day, he will speak at the National Assembly in Korea, where he will celebrate the enduring alliance and friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea and call on the international community to join together in maximising pressure on North Korea
