WASHINGTON, 09 January 2022, (TON): The foreign and defence ministers of the United States and Japan voiced concerns about what they said was China's ongoing efforts to undermine the rules-based order, as they look to cooperate more on emerging defence threats.

The officials from the two allies met virtually to discuss modernizing and strengthening their security alliance at a time when concerns about China and increasing tension over Taiwan have put Japan's security role in greater focus.

According to a joint statement following the talks “the ministers resolved to work together to deter and, if necessary, respond to destabilising activities in the region.”

The ministers said they had "serious and ongoing concerns" about human rights issues in China's Xinjiang and Hong Kong regions and underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the two countries would sign a new defence collaboration deal to counter emerging threats, including hypersonics and space-based capabilities.