Defense chief aiming to calm two Asia allies

N. Korea key topic on Mattis’ visit to S. Korea, Japan

SEOUL, South Korea — During his first official foreign trip, America’s top defense official was expected to confront thorny policy issues in Asia, including North Korea’s nuclear program and a planned missile defense system that angers China.

But a key goal for Defense Secretary James Mattis, analysts said, was assuring South Korea and Japan that bonds with the United States would remain strong despite tough rhetoric from new president Donald Trump.

On the flight to South Korea, the retired Marine Corps general described the alliances between the two countries as “enduring.” Later, in a meeting Thursday with South Korea’s acting leader, Hwang Kyo-ahn, Mattis promised to continue a united effort to confront North Korea.

“We have to address the reality of the threat that your country and my country faces,” Mattis said, according to a small group of reporters assigned to document the encounter. “We intend to be shoulder to shoulder with you as we face this together.”

Mattis’ trip was seen by many as a signal that the Trump administration’s foreign policy would focus on Asia. The effort was beginning in South Korea, where Mattis also visited the headquarters for U.S. troops stationed here.

Though few specific details about the discussions have been made public, observers expected that he might face concern about the Trump administration’s strong “America first” foreign policy, as announced South Korean Defense Minister Han Min Koo, left, greets Defense Secretary James Mattis on Thursday in Seoul. at the inaugural, and whether it might ask for more money to continue security arrangements in the two countries.

“You have high levels of anxiety and uncertainty in Asia, but especially in South Korea and Japan, about where they stand under Trump,” said John Delury, an associate professor at Seoul’s Yonsei University.

In addition to offering reassuring comments, Mattis was expected to focus his talks on readiness and coordination in dealing with North Korea.

Besides its nuclear threat, which includes bombs and a growing capacity to deliver them, the rogue state already has large numbers of conventional forces and artillery within striking distance of the 20-plus million people who live in and around Seoul.

Mattis plans a visit Friday with high-ranking South Korean military officials. The talks come as the countries next month are scheduled to carry out joint military exercises, which sometimes prompt reactions from the North.

On the flight over, Mattis told reporters that he probably would also discuss South Korea’s deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a U.S.-designed defensive array intended to counter ballistic missile threats from North Korea.

The system relies on wide and sophisticated radar, prompting China to complain about its national security interests.

The missile system remains a sore spot for some here. Peace protesters have gathered almost daily for months in front of the Defense Ministry to complain about it. And a large group gathered in a central square Thursday to protest Mattis’ arrival. More protesters were expected Friday.

Both South Korea and Japan have concerns about China, which has reportedly cooled economic and diplomatic ties with South Korea in recent months over the missile system.

Japan, where Mattis was set to travel later Friday, has its own concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities.