The Pentagon chief also stressed trilateral cooperation with Tokyo and Seoul is crucial for regional stability even as South Korea is in political turmoil.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin warned American troops near Tokyo of the threat represented by China on Monday (Dec 9).

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in Japan on Tuesday to meet with Japanese officials and reaffirm the importance of their alliance and the U.S. commitment to regional security

TOKYO — Lloyd Austin, on his last visit to Japan as defense secretary, reiterated U.S. support for ally South Korea as it works through the repercussions of its president’s attempt a week ago to impose martial law.