U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has welcomed Japan's commitment to accelerate its military buildup and defense spending

TOKYO: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday (Oct 29) the Japan-US alliance was "critical to deterring Chinese military aggression", as his Japanese counterpart confirmed plans to accelerate a defence spending target.

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's newly elected first female prime minister, is an unabashedly conservative icon of Japanese politics. Her election is set to change East Asia.

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces significant foreign policy challenges just days after taking office. She plans to meet with U.S.

Japan has designated 14 airports and 26 seaports for use by its military and coast guard during a contingency.

China has called on its neighbours Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries to make greater efforts in science and technology, including carrying out joint scientific and technological research, according to the official Xinhua.

China and Japan agreed on Tuesday to advance constructive and stable bilateral relations as Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, a week after the inauguration of Japan's new cabinet.

President Trump arrives in Tokyo for historic meetings with Japan's first female prime minister and Emperor Naruhito before high-stakes China summit this week.