WASHINGTON: The United States and Japan sought to reinvigorate their 70-year alliance in the face of China's growing clout Tuesday, with President Barack Obama welcoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House.
Voicing shared anxiety about China's activities in the South and East China Seas, the two leaders vowed to counter new threats and increase joint military deterrence.
Obama accused China of "flexing their muscles" though territorial claims and the building of new islands in disputed waters.
"There are some real tensions that have arisen with China around its approach to maritime issues and its claims," Obama said.
Many experts believe the oil-rich South China Sea -- a mosaic of historical territorial claims -- could be a flashpoint for conflict.
The US president reiterated his "absolute" commitment to Japan's defense and stressed that pledge "covers all territories under Japan's administration, including Senkaku Islands."
Beijing lays claim to the island chain in the East China Sea it calls the Diaoyus.
Now for the first time that US defense assurance will be reciprocated, thanks to a deal signed during Abe's visit.
Japan's well-trained and well-equipped forces will be able to come to the defense of the United States, a dramatically more assertive security role for the officially long-pacifist country.
But, Obama insisted, "we don't think that a strong US-Japan alliance should be seen as a provocation."
"We welcome China's peaceful rise."
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