Mattis reassures uneasy Japan over DPRK talks

TOKYO - US Defense Secretary James Mattis pledged on Friday to maintain and strengthen the US security alliance with Japan amid concerns that talks with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea could water down Washington's security commitments to the Asian ally.

Mattis met with his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera, who said they agreed to continue joint military drills and reinforce the response capability of their alliance.

In meetings with Japanese officials, Mattis sought to address Tokyo's concerns that its security interests could be left behind in US President Donald Trump's push to reach a denuclearization deal with DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un.