Japan's Defense Minister Kono Taro and US Defense Secretary Mark Esper have agreed to oppose China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion.

In a meeting in Guam on Saturday, Esper referred to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's announcement of his resignation and called him a great leader who worked to strengthen bilateral ties in security and other areas.

Japan's Defense Minister Kono Taro says he will discuss regional issues and cooperation on national security with his US counterpart on Saturday.

Kono said in a news conference on Friday that he will hold talks with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Guam. The trip would be Kono's first overseas in about six months.