Japan, US defense chiefs China harming regional peace

Japan, US Defense Chiefs Why China Harming Regional Peace

The defense ministers of Japan and the United States held talks on Thursday in Tokyo to discuss ongoing tensions with North Korea and China's growing military presence in the region.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper met with his Japanese counterpart, Itsunori Onodera, for the third time since April this year. The two leaders expressed concerns about regional security and reiterated their commitment to keeping a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Esper emphasized that Washington will continue to work closely with Tokyo on issues related to North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs as well as ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Onodera, who has been outspoken against Beijing's activities in the resource-rich sea, said Japan is committed to working with regional partners such as India and Vietnam to promote maritime security in the region.

The talks come at a time when tensions are high between North Korea and the United States following President Donald Trump's decision last month to withdraw from an agreement limiting Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Esper also met separately with General Nakamura, Japan's Chief of Staff for the Joint Staff, where they discussed plans to upgrade military cooperation between their two countries including joint exercises involving Japanese and American troops.

In a statement released after his meeting with Onodera, Esper expressed concerns about China's growing military presence in the region which he said is causing uncertainty among allies like Japan.


China's continued efforts to steal intellectual property, industrial secrets, and sensitive data from our universities and companies must be met by concerted action by all of us who value fair play and open markets, he said.

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