Xinhua reports that “U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will start on Saturday a week-long visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan, Pentagon spokesman George Little announced Thursday.”

“During his stay in the ROK, Hagel will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance and participate in the 45th Security Consultative Meeting, Little said.”

“Hagel will also preside over the change of command ceremony of the U.S. Forces Korea, during which Curtis Scaparrotti will replace the outgoing commander James Thurman.”