The USA promises to maintain a military deterrent capability in the sea between China and Taiwan.
During a visit to Japan, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth says that the USA will deter opponents from taking military action in the so-called Indo-Pacific region of the world - "even over the Taiwan Strait".
The USA and Japan stand firmly united against aggressive behavior and pressure from communist China, says Hegseth, who describes Japan as an exemplary ally that shows itself willing to take on a greater burden.
China has stepped up its military activities around Taiwan in recent years and conducts almost daily military flights perceived as provocations. The government in Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China, but in practice, Taiwan has been self-governing and separate since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when rival governments took over in Beijing and Taipei respectively.
