TOKYO U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis spent his first diplomatic trip attempting to ease concerns that President Donald Trump will reduce America's presence in the Asia-Pacific.
Visiting Japan and South Korea in early February, Mattis stressed Washington's commitment to maintaining and strengthening ties with its two regional allies. He also reassured them of their continued protection under the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Before the president's inauguration on Jan. 20, Trump had raised eyebrows with talk of reviewing America's alliance with South Korea and Japan if the latter two did not shoulder more of the cost of hosting U.S. troops.
