13 September 2017

News Story: Ranking U.S. lawmakers urge Trump to strengthen Korea alliance

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- Two ranking U.S. lawmakers urged President Donald Trump on Monday to bolster Washington's alliance with South Korea in the face of North Korea's escalating threat and China's growing regional influence.

Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, and Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL), chairman of the subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, said it was clear the bilateral relationship has never been more important in their letter to Trump reflecting on their recent trip to South Korea.

They noted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is "trying at all costs to drive a wedge" between the allies and remove U.S. forces from the South.

"The United States must remain resolute in our support for South Korea in the face of this menacing threat, as a withdrawal of the United States from the Peninsula could lead to catastrophic consequences," they wrote.

They also pointed out that China's aspirations for supremacy in Northeast Asia depend on weakened U.S. influence in the region.

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