Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda warned of a worsening security situation in the Asia-Pacific, as he met with U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday on the sidelines of a regional summit in Cambodia.
Prime Minister Noda told President Obama that he welcomes Washington's recent "pivot" toward the region, which comes amid worsening territorial disputes between China and several U.S. allies, including Tokyo.
President Obama said the meeting was another opportunity to affirm what he called the "extraordinary alliance" between the U.S. and Japan.
Washington denies taking sides in the sovereignty disputes between China and its rival claimants, though Beijing suspects the U.S. rebalance toward the region is aimed at containing its rise.
President Obama did not mention the territorial disputes in his public remarks with Mr. Noda, or in his later meeting with outgoing Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.