We're still with you: Mattis to Asian allies stung by Trump

US Defence Secretary attempts to quiet questions about US-led 'rules-based order'

Defence Secretary James Mattis sought patience from Asian nations reeling from President Donald Trump’s “American First” policy moves, insisting that the US would continue to expand its engagement in the region.

Mattis used his speech at the Shangri-La security forum in Singapore on Saturday to affirm US alliances that he said had helped keep the peace for decades in Asia. To underscore the point, he urged China, the region’s rising power, to help rein in North Korea and warned it against showing “contempt” for other nations by asserting its claims to the South China Sea.

“The United States will continue to adapt