OnPolitics: Joe Biden hosts South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in second state visit

Hey there OnPolitics readers! It’s been a busy week for President Joe Biden as he hosts the second state visit in his presidency, the day after officially launching his reelection bid. 

Biden welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee this morning. This is visit is the first state visit with South Korea since 2011 and marks the 70th anniversary of the two nations’ alliance.

What we know: Biden announced that he will be increasing demonstrations of military might in the Indo-Pacific in hopes of deterring an attack by North Korea while Yoon reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to not develop its own nuclear weapons, White House reporters Maureen Groppe and Joey Garrison write.

Why it matters: The U.S. has been working to strengthen its relationships in Asia to counterbalance China’s growing economic and military might. And last May, Biden said “revitalizing” the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea was one of his “key foreign policy priorities.”

🍦 And a(n ice cream) scoop: Biden and Yoon will also attend a state dinner, a diplomatic honor saved for the U.S.'s closest allies. 

Biden's favorite sweet treat –  ice cream – will be served at tonight's dinner, but with a twist. In honor of Yoon, the caramel sauce drizzled over the bananas and lemon bar ice cream for the deconstructed "banana split" will be flavored with doenjang, the Korean fermented soybean paste.

🔖 Keep reading: Biden, South Korea to increase signs of military power as show of force against North Korea

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