Vice President Mike Pence is seeking to reassure and refocus American allies on the growing nuclear threat from North Korea with visits to Japan and South Korea this week. In meetings with government leaders, military officials and US service members, Pence said he wants to make sure the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics don’t distract from the bellicose North Korean human rights abuses and nuclear program. “The United States is with you in this challenge,” Pence told Abe as they began their bilateral talks. “The full range of American military capabilities is dedicated to the protection of Japan,” Pence tweeted. The vice president is leading the US delegation to the opening ceremonies of the games, but said he is using the international sporting event as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the North Korea.

Source: Hindustan Times February 07, 2018 06:33 UTC