Japan, U.S. oppose China's bid to alter status quo

Motegi made the comment following his bilateral meeting in Tokyo with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting the country with Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin as their first trip abroad to strengthen Asian alliances in the face of China's assertiveness.

Motegi also said both shared concerns over situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang Uighur region.

Blinken and Austin's visit to Tokyo and Seoul is the first overseas visit by top cabinet members of President Joe Biden's team and follows a virtual summit last week of the leaders the United States, Japan, Australia and India - the Quad alliance.