SINGAPORE: When US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attends a security summit in Singapore this weekend, he hopes to assure allies of America’s commitment to the region and its aim of checking China’s seemingly inexorable rise. “We continue with the diplomatically-led campaign,” Mattis told reporters as he headed to the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore, referring questions on the issue to the State Department. The two men are now apparently back on track to meet in June, also in Singapore. So, instead of focusing on the possible summit with North Korea, Mattis wants to push the message that Washington is steadfast in its backing of the Asia-Pacific region. Mattis is giving a speech on Saturday but this year’s keynote is by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to outline India’s growing regional role.

Source: Manila Times June 01, 2018 18:23 UTC