WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced he will attend the 39th annual Defense Consultative Meeting in Korea while on a trip to China, Korea and Japan.
Officials say Gates will leave Nov. 4 for the six-day trip. In Korea, Gates will participate in the 39th annual Defense Consultative Meeting where civilian and military leaders are expected to discuss the way forward for the U.S.-Republic of Korea Pact, the Defense Department reported.
“In Tokyo and Seoul, I’ll touch base with two valued friends going back five decades and two strong partners in the war on terror,” Gates said in a statement. “With regard to China, it will be a chance to keep open the lines of communication and strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”
Gates says despite China's lack of transparency, he does not consider China a military threat to the United States.
“I have concerns with a variety of the military programs they have under way, developmental programs,” Gates said. “I have concerns with the lack of transparency. Those are the issue we will be talking about in addition to the ways we can strengthen the relationship.”
Gates will meet with his new Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, while in Japan. Official say the two are expected to discuss the ending of Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean.
