US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan’s new Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to bolstering the bilateral security alliance in the face of “severe” regional threats from China during their first in-person meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The two leaders discussed strengthening command and control systems, joint military exercises, and regional security cooperation. Both highlighted China’s rapid military expansion as a growing concern, emphasizing the need for deterrence and preparedness.

“The threats we face are real and urgent,” Hegseth said, pointing to China’s aggressive actions and unprecedented military buildup. “Our alliance is critical to deterring Chinese aggression and ensuring regional peace.”

Koizumi echoed this sentiment, noting Beijing’s lack of transparency in defense spending and its rapid military modernization. “China has been extensively and rapidly increasing its military capabilities,” he warned.

The joint display of unity comes as Washington strengthens partnerships across the Indo-Pacific amid intensifying US-China competition in defense, trade, and technology.

Hegseth’s visit to Japan is part of a broader Asia tour that includes Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea. He later met US troops at Yokota Air Base, stressing that deterrence and readiness remain key pillars of the US-Japan alliance.

The talks took place just a day after North Korea’s test of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles, underscoring the region’s volatile security landscape.