Japan-US ties key to deterring China 'aggression': Pentagon

US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said Wednesday the Japan-US alliance cooperation, as his Japanese counterpart confirmed plans to accelerate a defense spending target.

The comments came in the wake of the first face-to-face meeting Tuesday between US President Donald Trump and new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where security was a major topic.

Hegseth said during a meeting with Japan Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo that "To respond to regional contingencies and keep the country safe, shoulder to shoulder with Japan, they look forward to continuing to strengthen the alliance,"