TOKYO, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday shared serious concerns over any actions to increase tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their telephone talks, they stressed that a recent radar incident caused by Chinese military aircraft was not conducive to regional peace and stability, Japan's Defense Ministry said.
Koizumi and Hegseth agreed to closely communicate and collaborate with each other amid the increasingly severe security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said in a press release.
Their talks came after a Chinese fighter jet aimed its radar intermittently at Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighters over international waters off the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa on December 6.
"Japan will firmly and steadily continue surveillance and monitoring activities in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan, and cope with any unexpected situation in a calm and resolute manner," Koizumi was quoted as saying.
Koizumi also recounted his visit to Sakishima Islands in November and briefed Hegseth on progress so far in Japan's efforts for further reinforcement of defense capabilities.
In addition, based on the agreement at their meeting on October 29 in Tokyo, the two defense chiefs reaffirmed to continue promoting various initiatives to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond, with a sense of urgency and speed. (end) mk.mt