US defense official to hold talks in Beijing

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — A U.S. Defense Department official is headed to Beijing for talks amid ongoing tensions in the region over North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs.

Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy will lead the U.S. delegation for the U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy said, without providing information on the agenda.

Flournoy was due to travel onward to South Korea for talks with officials in Seoul on Friday.

China is North Korea's most important ally and supplier of economic assistance. It played host to six-nation talks aimed at pressing the North to halt its nuclear programs in return for financial aid and diplomatic inducements.



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