US Deputy Secretary of State to visit 3 Asian nations

This will be his first overseas visit.

Blinken will visit  the Republic of Korea (ROK), China, and Japan where he will meet government officials and non-governmental experts.

"The Deputy Secretary will meet with senior government officials in Seoul, February 9-10, to engage with a range of senior officials and non-governmental experts in support of our alliance, and to continue close coordination with the ROK on North Korea issues and our shared regional and global priorities. He will also meet with university students and exchange program alumni, emphasizing the close ties between the people of the United States and the ROK," the White House said in a statement.

"Deputy Secretary Blinken will then travel to Beijing, February 10-12, to meet with senior Chinese government officials, to discuss ongoing cooperation on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues.  His visit reflects continuing high-level U.S. engagement with China and the importance of strengthening our bilateral relationship," it said.

"In Tokyo, February 12-14, Deputy Secretary Blinken will meet senior Japanese government officials to discuss a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues, and he will also meet with regular citizens working to enact social changes in Japan.  While in Tokyo, he also will deliver a public address highlighting U.S. economic policy in the East Asia and Pacific region.  The visit provides an opportunity to highlight our strong partnership with Japan and our close economic cooperation," it said.

Blinken will return to Washington, D.C. on Feb 14.