President Trump reaffirms ties with South Korea’s government after US military launches missile attacks on Syria
US President Donald Trump has reached out to South Korea’s government to build solidarity with Seoul on his approach to North Korea and Syria amid differences between Washington and Beijing on both issues. Trump “reaffirmed the strength of the United States–Republic of Korea alliance and agreed to stay in close touch regarding North Korea and other issues of mutual concern,” according to a statement released by the White House. Trump also thanked Acting President Hwang for his support for the on Thursday. The announcement comes a day after Trump and Xi wrapped up two days of meetings in the US. While the two presidents characterised their first meeting – at the US leader’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida – as a success, the two sides failed to make any progress on an approach to North Korea, which has conducted a series missile tests that have rattled South Korea, Japan and Washington. The most recent missile test occurred a day before Trump and Xi met in Florida. Trump’s administration is “prepared to chart our own course [regarding North Korea] if this is something China is just unable to coordinate with us,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters in Florida after Xi’s delegation left the US on Friday.
