New Pentagon Chief to Visit Japan, South Korea Next Month

US Defense Secretary James Mattis plans to travel to Japan and South Korea next month on his first trip as the Pentagon’s new chief, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Mattis will depart on February 1 for South Korea and then travel to Tokyo on February 3.

“The trip will underscore the commitment of the United States to our enduring alliances to Japan and the Republic of Korea, and further strengthen US/Japan/Republic of Korea security cooperation,” Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said.

The trip comes amid worries in the two long-standing US allies about the direction of US policy in their region under President Donald Trump.
 [almanar.com.lb/AFP]
25/1/17