By Natsuko FUKUE, Shingo ITO
China warned the US Saturday it was risking instability in Asia after President Donald Trump's new defence secretary vowed to back Japan in any military clash with Beijing over a disputed island chain.
The Senkaku Islands, known in China as the Diaoyus, are at the centre of a festering row between Tokyo and Beijing, which claims they have been part of Chinese territory for centuries.
Wrapping up a visit to the region Saturday, US Defence Secretary James Mattis said in Tokyo the islands were subject to a decades-old treaty between Washington and Tokyo.
"I made clear that our long-standing policy on the Senkaku Islands stands -- the US will continue to recognise Japanese administration of the islands," Mattis told a press conference.
"And as such Article 5 of the US-Japan Security Treaty applies."
Article 5 commits the United States to defend Japan or territories it administers against any attack.
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