US-Japan defence deal will allow Tokyo 'robust' military role amid concerns over China

Japan and the United States have reportedly unveiled new rules for defence cooperation that will give the former a more robust military role amid mounting concerns over China's activities in South China and East China seas.

The new guidelines also clarify U.S. support for Japan. Secretary of State John Kerry said that Washington's commitment to Japan's defence was "ironclad," including disputed islands, reported the BBC.

Kerry hailed the meeting as an "historic transition" in the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The announcement came as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is on a week-long visit to the U.S.