Biden Visits Asia to Diffuse Unrest

By: Joshua Powers, 12-9-2013

image: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

United States Vice President Joe Biden made a trip to Asia recently amidst growing tensions between South Korea and Japan. South Korean soccer fans at a game with Japan showed massive banners honoring men they consider heroes in battles against “Japanese Invaders.” This brought strong response from Japanese fans.

Biden’s visit comes amidst other serious problems in Asia. China just announced a new maritime air defense zone in the East China Sea in order to claim rights over disputed islands near Japan.

Policy experts wonder what Biden can realistically do. He says he wants the Asian nations to understand Washington’s hopes for them in resolving their differences.