(LEAD) U.S. nonproliferation official to visit S. Korea for talks on extended deterrence

(ATTN: ADDS photo, possible topic)

WASHINGTON, June 9 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. nonproliferation official will visit South Korea and Japan next week for discussions about U.S. nuclear policy and extended deterrence, the State Department said Friday.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Anita Friedt will travel to Seoul and Tokyo from Monday to Friday for meetings and events focused on U.S. nuclear policy and extended deterrence, the department said.

It did not elaborate on the topics.

But her discussions in Seoul could include the U.S. deployment of the THAAD missile defense system as she is the main State Department official handling the issue.

The trip also comes after South Korea decided to suspend the deployment of an additional four THAAD launchers until an environmental assessment is completed, a move seen as a setback to U.S. efforts to fully deploy the system as quickly as possible.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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