Speaking after annual AUSMIN talks between the allies, Austin said the two countries had also agreed to "invite Japan to integrate into our force posture initiatives in Australia."

Austin did not detail when there would be an increase in the rotations, or how many troops, ships and aircraft they would involve, and it was unclear how the announcement differed from a similar statement more than a year ago.

"The United States and Australia share a vision of a region where countries can determine their own futures," he told a joint news conference with his Australian counterpart that included the nations' foreign ministers.

"Unfortunately, that vision is being challenged today. China's dangerous and coercive actions throughout the Indo- Pacific, including around Taiwan, and toward the Pacific Island countries and in the East and South China Seas, threaten regional peace and stability," he said.

In a joint statement, the sides said that "to strengthen US land presence," they would expand locations for US Army and US Marine Corps forces in Australia.

It said they would also identify locations to support an enhanced US force posture with runway improvements, aircraft parking aprons and storage for fuel and munitions, and decided to preposition stores, munitions and fuel in support of US capabilities.

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