S.Korea to open arms to Trump despite possible protests

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) – South Korea promised U.S. President Donald Trump a “warm welcome” Sunday, despite possible protests, two days before he is set to arrive in Seoul for a state visit amid a marathon Asia tour.

Stronger ties with Washington "will ultimately bring peace and prosperity to the Korean Peninsula," according to South Korean presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun.

"By warmly welcoming President Trump as our guest, we'll use this opportunity to take our alliance beyond the comprehensive one and towards an even greater alliance," Park told reporters in comments carried by Yonhap News Agency.

But local police plan to raise security to its highest level this week, as the South Korean people have shown mixed feelings towards the controversial U.S. leader, and protests are expected.

Along with the sensitivity over a pending bilateral free trade deal renegotiation, anti-Trump protests have been driven in recent days by the American president's aggressive rhetoric against North Korea, which has raised fears that tensions could spiral into a sudden conflict.

Meanwhile, North Korea warned Trump against making "foolish remarks."

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper threatened Sunday to inflict a "merciless punishment" on the U.S.

But speaking of the North's authoritarian leadership upon arriving in Japan for the start of his Asian tour Sunday, Trump said, "No one, no dictator, no regime should underestimate American resolve."