S.Korea shuns war-linked Middle East deployment, eyes sea-lane security

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul will not deploy assets in a way that could draw the country into war in the Middle East, but Seoul is weighing limited steps to protect shipping and crude shipments. The government continues anti-piracy patrols off Somalia, faces domestic opposition to broader involvement, and is negotiating with the United States on a manufacturing-investment package while signaling possible talks involving Trump and Kim Jong Un.