US Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono on Saturday reiterated their commitment to maintaining a ‘rules-based order’ in the East and South China Seas.
According to an official statement, Esper hosted Kono in Guam, where they reaffirmed the strength of the US-Japan alliance and discussed ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
Both exchanged views on their shared vision for a free and open “Indo-Pacific region.
Mr Esper expressed serious concern regarding China’s decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong, as well as coercive and destabilizing actions vis-à-vis Taiwan.
US Defence Secretary also thanked Japan for its strong leadership in implementing UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Resolutions sanctions to disrupt North Korea’s illicit ship-to-ship transfers.
