New US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday, during his first phone call with his Japanese counterpart, reaffirmed America's commitment to defending the disputed East China Sea islets known as the Senkaku in Japan, Jiji news agency reported.
Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, Jiji said. The islets are known as the Diaoyu in China.
The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands, Jiji said.
Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese activity in the East China Sea, including incursions into waters around the disputed islands.
The talks marked the first ministerial talks between Tokyo and Washington since US President Joe Biden took office on Wednesday. Retired Army general Austin made history on Friday by becoming America's first Black defence secretary.
Japan's defence ministry was not immediately available for comment.
US Indo-Pacific Command said on Sunday a US Navy strike group entered the South China Sea on Saturday, the same day Taiwan reported a large incursion of Chinese bombers and fighter jets into its air defence identification zone near the Pratas Islands.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Israel Killed Over 25,000 Palestinians Since Hamas Attack: US Defence Chief Pentagon On Why US Defence Secretary Hid Cancer From President Biden US Defense Chief Makes First Public Appearance Since Secret Hospitalisation Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold Trump's Vice President Pick Reveals How His Hindu Wife Helped Him NEET UG Counselling: Centre Urges Colleges To Update Seat Information 25-Year-Old Fitness Influencer Bullied Online For Looking "Super Old" Andrew Tate Banned From Leaving Romania Amid Human Trafficking Trial: Court Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.