JAPAN'S AMBITION

After meeting with Mattis, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was convinced that the United States and Japan could demonstrate to the world their "unwavering alliance."

Abe's remarks revealed Japan's willingness to boost bilateral ties and shoulder more military responsibilities, a move that can expand the country's defense capacity and make it a "normal" country again, said Diao.

The US stance helps Japan go further to realize its ambition of becoming a political and military power on the global stage, said Zhu Jianrong, a professor in political studies at Toyo Gakuen University.

"It is really alarming," Zhu observed.

Meanwhile, Tokyo may still not feel at ease in spite of assurances offered by Mattis, as the new US leader has been proved quite "unpredictable."

"There will always be concerns" that promises may be reversed by Trump, Kazuhiro Maeshima, a Sophia University professor, told Japanese media.