U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Will Soon Be Making His First Trip To China

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis lands in Kabul on March 13, 2018 on an unannounced trip to Afghanistan. REUTERS/Phil Stewart

Reuters: China says it is 'coordinating' with U.S. over possible Mattis visit

BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday it was coordinating with the United States on a possible visit to China by U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, which would be the first such trip under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Since Trump took office, Mattis has made several tours of Asia, including trips to Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

His trip to South Korea in October included a stop at the heavily fortified border with North Korea amid tension over its nuclear weapon and missile program.

But Mattis did not accompany Trump on his state visit to Beijing in November.

“As for the visit of Defense Secretary Mattis to China, defense departments in both countries are currently coordinating on this,” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said when asked about the issue during a monthly news briefing.

“At the same time, other exchange program between the two countries’ militaries are also being pushed forward in a smooth manner in accordance with plans,” Ren said.

He did not elaborate.

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WNU Editor: This trip is long overdue.