DeSantis, Youngkin visit Asia amid rumored White House bids

Two Republican governors, both rumored to be considering presidential runs, made trips to the Asia region to meet with foreign leaders during the week of April 23. The visits coincide with heightened U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence, TIME reports.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of a four-country tour billed as an “international trade mission.”

During their meeting, Kishida expressed his hope that DeSantis’ visit will contribute to further strengthening of Japan’s relationship with the United States as well as Florida.

DeSantis also applauded Japan’s recent military expansion efforts.

“We understand it’s a tough neighborhood out here and we really believe that a strong Japan is good for America, and a strong America is good for Japan,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also announced that he will be traveling to South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom on this trip.

When asked about trailing behind former President Donald Trump in hypothetical 2024 Republican primary polls, DeSantis replied, “I’m not a candidate so we’ll see if and when that changes.”

Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was also in the Asia region on a separate trade mission and met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

During the meeting, Youngkin announced that his state would open a Taiwan trade office, according to a statement from the Presidential Office in Taipei, as reported by TIME.

Youngkin is also believed to be eyeing a presidential run and is expected to visit Tokyo and Seoul, South Korea, as the trade mission continues.

According to an April poll from the Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump currently leads the Republican field with 48% among Republican primary voters, in a potential field of 12 Republican contenders. DeSantis trails behind with 24%, while Youngkin polled at 1% or less.