The US Defense Department said in a press release on Tuesday that the United States and the Japanese government will carry out together a maritime operation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan expressed its backing for actions taken by the United States amid recent tensions with China over land reclamations in the South China Sea.
This was confirmed by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Japanese Minister of Defense General Nakatani during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that their countries’ intentions are to conduct both, freedom of navigations in the south and east China sea.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which serves as a platform for member nations to discuss defense cooperation with eight dialogue partners such as the United States.
“The two leaders also discussed the rapidly evolving security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea,” the press release said. “They affirmed both governments’ determination to conduct maritime operations in accordance with international law.”
During the meeting with Nakatani, Carter welcomed the enactment of the Peace and Security Legislation in Japan that allows the country to conduct military deployments abroad, according to the press release.
Defense Secretary Carter also discussed regional security issues with the defense ministers of the Philippines, Singapore, India, and Thailand. -PNA, Sputnik / Carl E.
