America’s top defense official was expected to confront thorny policy issues in Asia — including North Korea’s advancing nuclear program and a planned missile defense system that has angered China — during his first official foreign trip.
But a key goal for Defense Secretary James N. Mattis , analysts said, was assuring South Korea and Japan that bonds with the United States would remain strong despite tough rhetoric from its new president, Donald Trump.
Mattis so far has tried to deliver.
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. ”
On Friday, Mattis used stronger language, saying the United States would use “effective and overwhelming” force if North Korea attacked either country with nuclear weapons.
The 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 at the inauguration, 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 capped his visit by meeting Friday with South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo, during which he offered a stern warning aimed at North Korea.
“Any attack on the United States, or our allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming,” he said.
