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.

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

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.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Japan's new administration to take a constructive "first step" in engaging with Beijing and to properly address sensitive issues such as Taiwan and wartime history.

As Tokyo moves to ramp up its defence spending and increase military personnel amid concern over China, users on Chinese social media mocked Japan's efforts to attract recruits, citing a video purportedly showing women military pilots dancing.

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.

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.