Japan to be Clinton’s first overseas stop?

A high-ranking Japanese official has told the Asahi Shimbun that Hillary Clinton’s first visit overseas will be to Japan and that she might visit the country as soon as mid-February, the first leg on a larger Asian tour. The choice of Japan as the first leg on Clinton’s Asia tour, which is expected to include ...

A high-ranking Japanese official has told the Asahi Shimbun that Hillary Clinton's first visit overseas will be to Japan and that she might visit the country as soon as mid-February, the first leg on a larger Asian tour.

A high-ranking Japanese official has told the Asahi Shimbun that Hillary Clinton’s first visit overseas will be to Japan and that she might visit the country as soon as mid-February, the first leg on a larger Asian tour.

The choice of Japan as the first leg on Clinton’s Asia tour, which is expected to include China and South Korea, is seen as an indication of the importance the Obama administration puts on its relationship with Tokyo.

The trip could help dispel concerns in Japan that the new administration intends to place a greater importance on relations with Beijing than with Tokyo.

Clinton’s schedule is subject to change, depending on world developments.

During the visit, Clinton is expected to reconfirm the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and discuss the global financial crisis and regional issues, including North Korea, with Japanese leaders.

Officials in Tokyo apparently would feel obliged to come out with additional help to stabilize Afghanistan. During the presidential campaign, Obama vowed to ramp up the U.S. effort in Afghanistan as part of the war on terror.

Clinton is also expected to take part in intensive discussions on North Korea’s nuclear program during her East Asia tour.

Carolyn O'Hara is a senior editor at Foreign Policy.

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