Bush arrives in South Korea to start Asia tour

US President George W. Bush has kicked off an Asian tour ahead of his visit to the Olympics in Beijing. Bush is in Seoul for talks with South Korean leader Lee Myung-bak.

This is Bush's 3rd official visit to South Korea. Bush and Lee are expected to talk about a deal to import U.S. beef that triggered protests in Seoul.

Other issues on the table include nuclear arms on the Korean Peninsula and the latest territorial dispute over islets between Tokyo and Seoul. Also on the agenda is the effort by both presidents to have their legislatures approve a free trade agreement that could increase bilateral trade by 25 percent.

Bush will also pay a visit to U.S. troops based in South Korea.

Bush and his wife, Laura, also plan to visit Thailand before arriving in Beijing on Friday.

Bush plans to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics and hold talks with President Hu Jintao before watching the US-China basketball game on Sunday.