ISTANBUL

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru warned Saturday that Japan faces its most "severe and complex" security environment since World War II, emphasizing the importance of the US-Japan alliance amid growing global tensions.

Speaking via a video message at the 11th Mount Fuji Dialogue, a high-level forum bringing together leaders from both nations, Ishiba highlighted the deepening divisions in the international community and pledged to strengthen deterrence capabilities with the US.

"The Japan-US Alliance serves as the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and security," said Ishiba, describing it as vital for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ishiba said Japan seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and expand security cooperation with like-minded nations to advance a "free and open Indo-Pacific" strategy. “Through these efforts, Japan will contribute to the realization of peace and prosperity both in the region and across the globe.”

The annual dialogue, which convenes top executives, government officials and experts from both countries named after Japan's iconic mountain, aims to serve as an intellectual foundation for the bilateral alliance.