TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen spoke with his US counterpart, reaffirming that the Diaoyutai Islands fall under Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Treaty, Jiji Press reported Friday.

The contested islands, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands, are also claimed by Taiwan and China. Following WWII, the US took administrative control of the islands but transferred them to Japan in 1972.

In a 40-minute phone call, Nakatani and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed to enhance cooperation between their militaries and hold a face-to-face meeting soon, per Asahi Shimbun. They also stressed their goal of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This marks the first time since Trump’s second term that the US has explicitly stated the Diaoyutai Islands fall under the Japan-US Security Treaty, which was revised in 1960, per CNA.

After the meeting, Nakatani said at a press conference, “This demonstrates the firm commitment of the US to Japan’s defense, and we feel reassured by this.” However, Nakatani did not disclose whether the two discussed increasing defense expenditures, saying only Japan is working to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Taiwan has not renounced sovereignty over the Japan-controlled islands. The issue remains a point of contention between the two sides.