TRUMP HOLDS MEETING WITH CHUNG EUI-YONG

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U.S. President Donald Trump held a surprise meeting with the national security chiefs of South Korea and Japan on Thursday. With military tensions between the U.S. and Iran continuing, observers say Trump apparently discussed the dispatch of Korean and Japanese troops to the Strait of Hormuz.

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President Donald Trump reportedly held talks with South Korea's national security chief Chung Eui-yong and Japan's National Security Council secretary-general Shigeru Kitamura. The meeting did not last long. According to the White House, he expressed gratitude to Seoul and Tokyo for their friendship and support as two powerful allies of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. Many are curious about what message the commander in chief delivered to the two nations at a critical time when he was to decide whether or not to start a war with Iran. South Korea and Japan were requested by Washington to deploy their troops in the Strait of Hormuz to join the U.S.-led maritime security mission. Tokyo already decided to dispatch its battleships, while Seoul is still contemplating the matter. U.S. national security adviser Robert O'Brien also met with the visiting officials to discuss Iran and North Korea issues. The three sides also touched on the importance of their security cooperation. Chung Eui-yong left the U.S. quietly, away from the media spotlight. The local diplomatic sources also stayed reticent on the matter. Some analysts believe Trump may be rushing to produce any type of tangible result as he faces numerous challenges, including Iran, impeachment and the upcoming presidential election. Unfortunately this may place additional burden on Korea.