Japan is seeking to create a more self-sufficient military as a deterrence against China’s increasingly assertive military activity in the region, and has concentrated on defense buildup on its southwestern islands. Japan also has concerns about the rising tensions caused by North Korea and Russia.

President Trump told reporters as he flew into Japan that he expects to have a trade agreement with China finalized by the end of his tour of Asia.

U.S. Forces Japan has all the personnel it needs to become a joint force headquarters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces significant foreign policy challenges just days after taking office

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday talked up "high-level exchanges" in a call with Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, hinting at a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japan's new premier,

Tokyo stocks gained Friday morning, with heavyweight semiconductor and technology issues making robust advances on hopes for progress

In response to a question about Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr's remarks that it is regrettable that incidents continue to occur in the South China Sea and "[the incidents] have put the lives of Philippine personnel and the safety of our vessels and aircraft at risk" at the ongoing ASEAN meetings on Sunday,

President Donald Trump met new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Oct. 28 and said the U.S. is an “ally at the strongest level.”