Sullivan Joins Delegation Visit to South Korea and Japan
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) recently returned from a trip to the Asia-Pacific with fellow members of the Armed Services Committee Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS) of the House Armed Services Committee. The delegation visited Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where they met with senior military officials and government leaders to discuss a wide-array of issues ranging from the importance of continued U.S. leadership in the region and mutual security cooperation to U.S. energy dominance and military training exercises in the Asia-Pacific.
While in South Korea, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, Defense Minister Song Young-moo, General Brooks and United States Forces Korea leadership, and visited the joint security area of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Sen. Sullivan at the Joint Security Area in the Korean DMZ.
In Japan, the delegation visited with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono, Lt General Martinez and United States Forces Japan and 7th Fleet leadership. In both countries, the delegation discussed the importance of missile defense and countering North Korea as well as China’s growing influence in the region.
Sen. Sullivan with Alaskan service members Lt. Colonel Tony Mollison and Captain Charity Mollison, USAF.
“Since I arrived in the Senate, I have been warning about the rise of China and the imminent threat from North Korea,” said. Sullivan. “This trip to South Korea and Japan has confirmed to me that not only has China risen, but they are now in direct competition with the United States and our strategic and economic interests and those of our allies. It also showed me how important our allies are to countering the unstable leadership in North Korea.
The trip to the Asia-Pacific concluded with a stop in Alaska, where the delegation visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Ft. Greely.
Members of the delegation visit the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Ft. Greely, Alaska.
“Ending the trip in Alaska allowed me to showcase to my colleagues Alaska’s strategic location and highlight some of unique advantages our great state gives our nation’s military. Also, once in Alaska, it is easy to see why we are the cornerstone of our nation’s missile defense, the hub of air combat power and training for the Asia-Pacific and the Arctic, and a vital strategic platform for some of America's best-trained expeditionary troops,” Sullivan concluded.
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