Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday underscored Japan’s resolve to strengthen its defence posture and deepen cooperation with the US, calling for joint efforts to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific amid escalating regional tensions.

Addressing US troops aboard the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval Base alongside US President Donald Trump, Takaichi said the region was facing an “unprecedented security environment” and stressed that Japan and the US would “join hands to ensure peace and security”.