South Korea-Japan trade spat: US will 'do what it can' to help but hopes both sides can resolve it soon
2019-07-18 09:36:50 source：The Straits Times
July 17, 2019
SEOUL - The United States will do what it can to help resolve the trade spat between its allies South Korea and Japan, a senior US diplomat said as South Korea warned that Japan's export curbs go against the spirit of free trade and will adversely affect the global tech industry.
Mr David Stilwell, the new Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said the US places "a great priority" on strengthening ties with both countries and that he hopes the two sides can resolve the issue soon.
"The US as close friends and allies to both will do what it can to support their efforts to resolve (the situation)," said Mr Stilwell, who is in Seoul for a three-day visit and met South Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, on Wednesday (July 17). He leaves on Thursday.
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