"China is not the driver behind the escalation of the tensions

The DPRK reportedly fired a missile over Japan's northern island Hokkaido and into the Pacific Ocean on Friday, which came only days after the United Nations Security Council voted in favor of a resolution toughening sanctions on the DPRK

Prior to Abe's departure Monday for a five-day trip to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, Abe told Nikai during a meeting that he "will decide on the timing of the snap election after returning from the UN General Assembly on Friday

Some of the South Korean companies based in the two zones, the largest in the province, were attracted through Cho's efforts

Meetings are planned for the delegation with Chinese government officials, industry partners and Branstad in Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, Shaanxi province