The foreign and defense ministers of the United States and Japan have expressed concern over China's attempts to undermine law and order and pledged to boost cooperation in dealing with emerging defense threats.
According to the British news agency Reuters, officials of the two allies discussed enhancing their security in the virtual talks at a time when concerns over China and escalating tensions over Taiwan have highlighted Japan's security role. ۔The joint statement said that "the ministers have decided to work together to stop the destabilizing activities in the region and to respond to them if necessary."
Ministers say they have concerns about human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang and Hong Kong regions. The talks highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken said the two countries would sign a new defense agreement to counter emerging threats.
