America’s Vice President (VP), Mike Pence took off for Alaska on Monday to begin a six-day tour through Asia. He plans to stop by the Winter Olympics in South Korea although not mainly for the sports, but for the aggressive North neighbor.
In a stint during his State of Union address, Trump informed Americans that the nation is facing an imminent nuclear attack threat from North Korea and it (United States) has put in place measures to pressure disgruntled North Korea into dropping its quest for nuclear missiles. On Friday, the United States published its nuclear review policy document which stated that America will recalibrate its nuclear capabilities to match that of other countries that pose a threat to the nation and its allies. The statement was in reference to nations like Russia and China.
The VP’s Agenda with the Six-day Tour
Mike began his trip by jetting off to Alaska and is set to fly to Japan and South Korea. The White House expects him to hold symbolic events with leaders in the respective countries he’ll visit. The meets will have the objective of sensitizing the leaders of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and human rights abuses. This partial plan was unveiled by White House officials who sought anonymity because the travel itinerary has not been made public.
In an interview he gave on Monday after touring missile defense facilities, Mike Pence told reporters that he will be telling the truth about North Korea at every stop. He added that they will ensure whatever cooperation existing between North and South Korea joint Olympic team does not cloud the reality of a regime that must be segregated by the world.
While in Japan, Mike Pence is expected to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe and United States service members. For his South Korean visit, the VP will visit a memorial to the 46 South Korean sailors killed in 2010 as a result of a torpedo attack from North Korea. He will also hold meetings with President Moon Jae-in.
The Olympic Agenda
The main subject of Mike Pence’s travel revolves around North Korea and little on the Winter Olympics hosted by South Korea. Mike Pence is leading a United States delegation to the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. The delegation comprises Fred Warmbier, the father of Otto Warmbier. Otto is the American student who died after he was released from a North Korean detention facility. Trump said during his State of Union address that Otto’s ordeal is an example of rights abuses North Korea continues to commit against humanity
While being interviewed by reporters on Monday, Pence stated that he will not rule out having a meet with North Korean officials subject to whether those officials will be available.
