US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is cutting short his trip to Asia in response to events in Israel, according to his spokeswoman. Schumer, who met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China, was originally planning to visit South Korea and Japan before returning to the United States. However, due to the tragic events unfolding in Israel, the bipartisan delegation led by Schumer has decided to move up its meeting with South Korean President Soon Suk Yeol to Wednesday and return to the US on Thursday. Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, will be back in New York on Thursday evening.

He will receive a classified briefing, attend community events, and spend time reflecting with his family. The cancellation of the trip to South Korea and Japan was confirmed by the US embassy in Tokyo. The delegation, which had just visited Beijing, was scheduled to hold a press conference in Tokyo on Sunday. The spokesperson for the embassy stated that the cancellation was due to "external events," without providing further details. The visit to South Korea was also called off, but no additional information was given. The decision to cut short the trip comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas.

The US recently confirmed the deaths of 11 Americans in the conflict, and it is believed that others are being held hostage by the Palestinian militant group. Schumer's return to the United States demonstrates the high-level attention being given to the situation. Schumer's visit to China was part of Washington's efforts to ease tensions with Beijing. The trip focused on the issues of economic competition, security, American national security, and global leadership in advanced technology.

Schumer's meeting with President Xi Jinping aimed to foster diplomatic relations and address the ongoing disputes between the two nations. As Schumer returns home to New York, he will prioritize receiving updates on the situation in Israel, engaging with his community, and spending time with his family. His role as the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US underscores the significance of his presence during times of crisis.