Defense secy mattis seeks continuity in policy toward asia

You're referring to James Mattis, the 26th United States Secretary of Defense, who served from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity in the US policy towards Asia, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.

Here are some key points that highlight Mattis' approach:

  1. Strengthening alliances: Mattis emphasized the importance of strengthening alliances with countries in the region, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines. He believed that these partnerships were crucial for maintaining stability and security in the region.
  2. Countering China's rise: Mattis was concerned about China's growing military capabilities and its increasing assertiveness in the region. He advocated for a balanced approach that would counter China's rise while also engaging with Beijing on issues of mutual interest.
  3. Maintaining a strong US military presence: Mattis believed that a strong US military presence in the region was essential for deterring aggression and maintaining stability. He advocated for maintaining a robust military presence in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
  4. Promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific: Mattis supported the concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," which emphasizes the importance of promoting economic and security cooperation among countries in the region. He believed that this approach would help to counterbalance China's growing influence and promote a more stable and secure region.
  5. Enhancing maritime security: Mattis recognized the importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. He advocated for enhancing cooperation with countries in the region to promote freedom of navigation and to counter piracy and other maritime threats.
  6. Supporting regional institutions: Mattis believed that regional institutions, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit, played an important role in promoting regional cooperation and stability. He advocated for supporting these institutions and engaging with them on issues of mutual interest.

Overall, Mattis' approach towards Asia was characterized by a focus on maintaining continuity in US policy, strengthening alliances, countering China's rise, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. His efforts helped to shape the US approach towards the region during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.