New Pentagon chief an instant hit in Japan, South Korea
TOKYO — In his debut abroad as the first retired general to lead the Pentagon in more than half a century, Jim Mattis found that in Japan and South Korea his experience in uniform is seen as an asset.
Not everyone who knows Mattis well in the U.S. shares that view, but he clearly was an instant hit in northeast Asia.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was effusive in his endorsement as the two shook hands Friday before a phalanx of Japanese and international news reporters and cameras.
“I was very encouraged,” Abe said, “to see someone like you who has substantial experience, both in the military and in security, defence and diplomacy, taking this office.”