CNA file photo

Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in August voiced the opposition of the U.S. and Japan to any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of the Diaoyutai Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan.

During a press conference after a Security Consultative Committee ("2+2") meeting, Tillerson disclosed that he, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis discussed the security environment in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

Both countries continue to oppose any unilateral action that would undermine Japan's administration of the highly contested islands as well as "militarization activity in the South China Sea," he said.

To this end, Tillerson said the U.S. is committed to protecting peace in the area and defending the security of Japan.

The U.S. and Japan "will explore new and expanded activities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance training and exercises, research and development, capacity building, and joint or shared use of facilities," Tillerson noted.

Another topic that was discussed was North Korea, with the secretary of state asking all nations to enforce the UN Security Council's resolution to impose more sanctions on the regime.

Tillerson noted that the U.S. and Japan will "remain vigilant against the North Korean threat through our military preparedness."

Although Japan maintains administrative control over the Diaoyutai Islands, both China and Taiwan also claim the territory.

(By Kuan-lin Liu)
Enditem/AW