Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the importance of enhancing U.S. and Japanese military capabilities through "realistic" training exercises across the first island chain. This development comes amid escalating tensions between China and Japan, particularly after comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which prompted various actions from Beijing, including travel advisories and economic pressure on Tokyo.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth's remarks were made during a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Pentagon. The meeting underscored the importance of joint military training as a means to counter China's expanding naval influence in the Pacific. Prior to the meeting, Hegseth and Koizumi participated in physical training together, showcasing the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Hegseth stressed a "hard-nosed realism" and a "practical, common-sense approach" to align the strategic interests of both nations and maintain peace. He emphasized the critical nature of conducting operations across the first island chain, a strategic line from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines, which is considered vital for maintaining America's regional dominance against China's growing assertiveness.

The recent National Security Strategy by the White House called for Japan and South Korea to develop capabilities to protect the first island chain, while affirming the U.S.'s commitment to building a military capable of deterring aggression throughout the region.

The discussions between Hegseth and Koizumi were expected to address various bilateral security matters, including U.S. calls for Japan to increase defense spending and collaborative efforts to enhance deterrence against potential Chinese threats.