Japan to be Clinton's first overseas stop?

Posted By Carolyn O'Hara Monday, February 2, 2009 - 9:16 PM Share

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.

EXPLORE:EAST ASIA, HILLARY, STATE DEPARTMENT, U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
 
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S - ANGELTOUR

9:33 PM ET

February 2, 2009

Hillary sworn in

Hillary's way ahead of you, Carolyn...she was just formally sworn in at the State Dept...where were you...no live link???

she looked stunning and was her usual gracious and worldy intelligent self...

as Neil Cavuto and Rassmussen confirmed...Hillary is the super rock star of the Obama cabinet...everyone else pales in her presence...

 

DOODLE

10:09 PM ET

February 2, 2009

swearing in

did you notice how Rassmussens comment was just kind of tossed in there and ignored..you & I heard it and we agree ..she is the power of the cabinet..he mentioned she has a higher favorability than Biden too...we all know who will roll up her sleeves & get it done for us..HRC....
nice to see Bill & the whole family too....

 

SUSAN H

10:14 PM ET

February 2, 2009

I saw but did not hear part

I saw but did not hear part of the ceremony on CNN as I am at work and could not turn on sound. Hillary was beaming and I reminded myself how this woman turns lemons into lemonade, and truly takes each and every opportunity she is given, does her utmost at all times and lives in the moment in the sense that she does not seem to bemoan the past, or what might have been, but seems to take pleasure in the ways things turned out as she sees it as good. She is a role model for all of us again and again.

 

S - ANGELTOUR

10:24 PM ET

February 2, 2009

Hillary a realistic optimist...

yes Susan H and doodle...Fox gave Hill the most coverage, especially before swearing in...

as Hill said..."yes, these are tough times but she is an optimist...and she will work on the opportunites ahead..."

her critics need to finally realize how fortunate we are to have her...especially during these tough times...she is so head and shoulders above those who try to bring her down...

 

PYW

1:13 AM ET

February 3, 2009

I agree, susan h

Very well-said.

 

Madam Secretary is an obsessive blog about all things Hillary Clinton. From her policies to her pantsuits, Madam Secretary delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and gossip about America's top diplomat.