Travel to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China, and Oman, July 18-27, 2021

Summary

• Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman traveled to Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and Oman from July 18 to July 27.

• In Tokyo, the Deputy Secretary met with Japanese officials to discuss a broad range of issues, including combating the climate crisis and enhancing global health security. Deputy Secretary Sherman, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo, and ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong Kun held a joint meeting to discuss trilateral cooperation on pressing shared challenges, including regional security issues such as the DPRK, as well as climate change and global health. The Deputy Secretary then traveled to Seoul for meetings with ROK officials and a strategic dialogue with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Choi to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation on shared priorities, including the climate crisis, pandemic relief, and post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

• From Seoul, the Deputy Secretary traveled to Ulaanbaatar to meet with Mongolian officials to reinforce our Strategic Partnership and discuss our shared values of democracy and human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and respect for traditional cultural identity and practice.

• In the PRC, the Deputy Secretary traveled to Tianjin to meet with PRC officials, including State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These discussions are part of ongoing U.S. efforts to hold candid exchanges with PRC officials to advance U.S. interests and values and to responsibly manage the relationship. The Deputy Secretary discussed areas where we have serious concerns about PRC actions, as well as areas where our interests align.

• In Oman, the Deputy Secretary met with Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy to discuss advancing peace and security in the region and our shared commitment to bolstering the U.S.- Oman bilateral relationship.