As political stability in the Asia Pacific region worsens, the US are strengthening ties with their allies.
ADVERTISEMENTUS defence secretary, retired General Jim Mattis is strengthening ties with his country’s allies in Asia.
RT usforceskorea: United States #SecDef Jim Mattis' arrival at Osan Air Base, #ROK, Feb. 2, 2017. #Alliancepic.twitter.com/mBPOhWBIyO
— Callie Raburn (@RaburnCallie) February 3, 2017
Touching down in Japan, after a visit to North Korea, Mattis seemed eager to reassure the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, that the US would honour the countries’ mutual defence treaty.
That is a task made more difficult since Donald Trump pulled out of the Asia-Pacific trade deal, championed by Japan.
Trump also hinted during the election campaign that Japan was benefiting from a US security umbrella without paying its fair share.
“U.S. remains steadfast in its commitment to defend Japan in the face of common threats.” #SecDef – Read more: https://t.co/kMaoauWsgcpic.twitter.com/mHUQNweEac
— Under Sec Army (@UnderSecArmy) February 3, 2017
Prime Minister Abe was the first to extend a hand of friendship sitting face to face with Mattis.
Abe said: “I do have hope and I am convinced that together with you, we will be able to demonstrate the unwavering alliance between Japan and the United States both to the public inside and outside Japan.”
Mattis quickly responded: “I want there to be no misunderstanding during the transition in Washington that we stand firmly, 100 percent shoulder to shoulder with you and the Japanese people, Mr. Prime Minister.”
With political instability worsening in the region after a string of nuclear tests from North Korea and an ongoing territorial dispute between China and several nations over islands in the South and East China Seas, the Trump administration is eager to smooth over any diplomatic cracks with its allies and do some political and military muscle flexing.