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| US SecDef James Mattis |
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.
He is set to depart on February 1 for South Korea before traveling 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 among the two long-standing American allies about the direction of US policy in their region under President Donald Trump.
During his campaign, Trump threatened to withdraw US forces from the two countries if they do not step up their financial support.
Mattis will be the Trump administration's first senior official to shed light on specifics of Washington's intentions in the region.
He will meet with his counterparts and other senior officials, Davis said.
Read the full story at SpaceDaily