Washington, Dec. 12 -- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi discussed over a phone "serious concerns" over intensifying tensions in the region following the recent radar lock-on incident involving Japanese and Chinese fighter jets and long-range joint patrol of Chinese and Russian bombers near Japan as per readouts issued by the US and Japan.

The two defence chiefs, speaking for about 40 minutes via telephone, agreed that Japan and the United States will maintain close communication to calm the situation, Kyodo reported.

During the call, Hegseth and his Japanese counterpart discussed Japan's efforts to increase its defence spending and strengthen its capabilities, China's military activities, a...