US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Malaysia on 2 August, the first stop on a Southeast Asia tour expected to focus on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) denuclearisation and tensions with China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (Photo: AFP/VNA)

In Malaysia, Pompeo is set to have talks with the host’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. 

He will then travel to Singapore to attend an annual forum on August that brings together top diplomats from 26 countries and the European Union for talks on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific.

The US official will push for sustained pressure on the DPRK to destroy its nuclear arsenal, urging the region's leaders to enforce UN sanctions on the nation, according to US State Department officials.

The trip is also an opportunity for him to promote the US’ strategic vision for Asia at a time of friction with China. Pompeo will also discuss the East Sea dispute.

The last stop in his tour will be Indonesia.

(Source: VNA)