U.S. defense chief James Mattis visits Seoul

We start off with the U.S. defense chief's visit to Seoul...
James Mattis is widely expected to deliver a clear message to his South Korean counterpart
this morning regarding the Trump administration's security policies and North Korea's continued
military threats.
Kim Hyun-bin tells us more.
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in Seoul on Thursday afternoon for his first
overseas trip since taking office less than two weeks ago.
While all eyes are focused on what results the talks will bring about,... one expert
offered his predictions.
"North Korea has been enhancing its nuclear and weapons of mass destruction capabilities
and Washington wants to strongly counter those measures, which seems to be the reason why
Mattis chose Seoul as the destination for his first overseas trip."
Mattis met with U.S. Forces Korea Commander Vincent Brooks and was briefed on the current
security situation on the peninsula.
That includes the speculation...
North Korea is preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile on February 16th to mark
the birthday of late former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
On Friday morning, Mattis and Seoul's defense chief Han Min-koo will sit down together for
the first defense minister talks between the two countries under the Trump administration.
"The two are expected to discuss ways to better counter North Korea, and some say the defense
cost-sharing issue could also be discussed, but I believe it's too soon for that.
The talks will most likely focus on North Korea's threats."
Shortly before landing on Thursday, Mattis told reporters that he and Han would discuss
the planned deployment of the THAAD missile defense system on the Korean peninsula to
better counter North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.
"The two defense chiefs are expected to release a strong joint statement warning North Korea
against future provocations, before the new U.S. defense secretary heads to Tokyo for
talks with his Japanese counterpart."
Kim Hyun-bin, Arirang News.

U.S. defense chief James Mattis visits Seoul

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