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South Korea appears to have secured support from the United States to hold three-way talks over Japan's export curbs on Seoul.
One of the country's top national security advisors is in Washington to press Washington to use its influence to bring Tokyo back to the table, but for now at least it appears Japan is not eager to negotiate.
Shin Se-min with the details.
Seoul's Presidential Deputy National Security Advisor says Washington is eager to have high-level trilateral talks with South Korea and Japan to resolve the escalating trade spat between the neighboring countries but added there's no response coming from Tokyo.
"The U.S. expressed how it hopes its two allies can seek a constructive resolution to such issues. Congress also urged us to mend several issues, but there's no response from Japan."
These comments coming shortly after the top presidential official held meetings on Thursday with White House officials, including President Trump's acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, to convey Seoul's position in the ongoing trade dispute.
Kim added that White House officials expressed hope the two sides can swiftly resolve the matter,... as it won't do Washington any good if it rumbles on.
But when asked about whether the U.S. was willing to play the role of mediator the visiting official remained tightlipped only saying Congress did indicate the Trump administration is willing to help as cooperation among three parties is crucial.
Kim,... who formerly served as Seoul's chief negotiator on trade left for Washington Wednesday reportedly with no return ticket reserved indicating the length of his stay depends on the progress he makes on the Japan export curbs issue.
Still to come for Kim are meetings with more U.S. officials including Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Deputy National Security Adviser Charles Kupperman.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News.
