The new U.S. Assistant Secretary of State of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, David Stilwell, is starting his first overseas trip since assuming the role last month.<br />He's touring Asia... and his multi-nation trip takes him to South Korea and Japan as the two remain at odds over Tokyo's exports curbs.<br />Officials say Stilwell will be in Tokyo from Thursday until Sunday.<br />He'll arrive in Seoul next Wednesday.<br />U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has welcomed the new assistant secretary,... saying he's looking forward to working closely with Stillwell in leading many critical partnerships and alliances throughout the region.<br />The U.S. State Department has been keen to avoid the impression Stillwell is taking sides between South Korea and Japan amid the heightened tensions.<br />And, we're just learning that Seoul's foreign affairs minister Kang Kyung-wha and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke over the phone just hours ago during which they discussed the current situation regarding Japan's export restrictions on South Korea.<br />
