Reuters
The foreign and defence ministers of the United States and Japan on Friday voiced concerns about what they said was China's ongoing efforts to undermine rules-based order, as they look to cooperate more on emerging defence threats.
The officials from the two allies met virtually to discuss modernising and strengthening their security alliance at a time when concerns about China - and increasing tension over Taiwan - have put Japan's security role in greater focus.
The ministers "resolved to work together to deter and, if necessary, respond to destabilising activities in the region," according to a joint statement following the talks.
The ministers said they had "serious and ongoing concerns" about human rights issues in China's Xinjiang and Hong Kong regions and underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
