U.S. VP to visit Japan, China, South Korea

U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden will visit Japan, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) early next month to discuss regional and global issues, the White House said on Monday.

In Tokyo, the veep will meet with key Japanese leaders to discuss "a broad range of issues," with focus on progress toward a Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and building on momentum on key alliance goals, the White House said in a statement.

During his stay in Beijing, Biden will consult with Chinese leaders on "global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said.

It said Biden will discuss bilateral, regional and global challenges with ROK leaders in Seoul, including security threats.