Blinken Hits Out at China’s ‘Coercion,’ as North Korea Breaks Silence With U.S.

Top U.S. officials spent their first trip abroad rallying Asian allies around a common approach toward China, even as North Korea tried to grab attention with its harshest words yet toward the new administration.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed their support for Japan during a visit Tokyo, in a symbolic first trip to visit allies that neighbor China. In remarks with Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday, Blinken accused Beijing of using “coercion and aggression” in places including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang.

Talks also turned to North Korea, which greeted the visiting U.S. officials with its clearest signal yet of displeasure with President Joe Biden. Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned the new team in Washington against “causing a stink.”

Blinken and Austin -- who will both travel to South Korea on Wednesday -- are seeking to build a united front with two countries that host the bulk of U.S. troops in the region. The trip is intended to reassure the U.S. allies of Washington’s commitment after former President Donald Trump accused Japan of being a security freeloader and sought a five-fold increase in troop funding from Seoul.

The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defend Japan, including with nuclear weapons, in a joint statement. The top diplomats singled out China for behavior that “presents political, economic, military and technological challenges.”

“This alliance matters deeply to the United States and to Japan,” Blinken said after the meeting between the four ministers. “As of today, I feel very confident in saying it is stronger than ever.”

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[cindaanderson]

Blinker is in way over his head! He will make huge mistakes that will cost America dearly!!!

[JohnTB]

Don't worry.... Joe Potato will negotiate a deal that puts Americans interests last in favor of some sweet jobs for his family and friends....

[st_Proof]

Stinkin’ Blinken lost in a haze of Bidan gobbledegook

[Papabuonair]

Blinken: hey, you want US dollar? We can print as much as we want, take it

[beeamerica]

I wouldn't subscribe to anything that said Bloomberg

[jeansempe]

Blinken is very regressively aggressive.

[hellbillyBob]

Joementia Briben just following his orders. #notmypotato

[BG-llxd]

keep your friends close and your enemies closer... israel

[billbrown]

RE:Guard StalkingGreen: Since WHEN is the territory of Guam in the chain o command 4OURArmy? What Fluffy4StarMajorDickHybrid thought
China FEARs A FRUIT basket Army?

[ynwmelly]

The different education tellingly punish because touch globally escape below a aromatic honey. lush, evanescent environment