TOKYO (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry is opening a Texas economic mission to Japan and China as he continues to bolster his foreign policy chops for a possible second presidential run.
Perry aides say the Republican will be in Tokyo on Monday to address the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
He then will lead a state delegation to Beijing before attending the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, China.
Perry is scheduled to return home Sept. 13.
A Travis County grand jury has indicted Perry on two abuse-of-power counts — but that’s only made him more popular in some national conservative circles. His indictment doesn’t bar Perry from traveling.
The Republican is seriously considering a 2016 White House bid after his presidential campaign three years ago flamed out.