Japan, US FMs agree to strengthen alliance

TOKYO, Jan 27 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and the new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed on Wednesday to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance and closely work together on regional and global issues, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
During their 30-minute phone talks hours after Blinken took office, Motegi thanked the US administration for its commitment under the Japan-US Security Treaty, especially for the application of the bilateral treaty's Article 5 to defend the Senkaku Islands, the ministry said in a press release.
The disputed islands in the East China Sea are controlled by Japan, but claimed by China and Taiwan.
In response, Blinken said there is no change in US commitment over the islands, according to the ministry.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the regional situation, including China, North Korea, South Korea, and the importance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific." While sharing awareness of the increasingly severe security situation in the region, Motegi and Blinken affirmed continued close coordination involving Japan, the US, Australia and India to address various issues in the region and the international community.
In addition, they shared view that they will closely coordinate on common challenges in the international community, such as responding to COVID-19 and climate change.
Motegi will visit the US to hold face-to-face talks at the earliest. (end) mk.lb