"Ishiba's intention to proceed with the Asian version of NATO initiative" in China's "Taiwan siege drill."

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he would be prepared to respond to any situation while watching the developments carefully as Chinese troops conducted "defense exercises" around Taiwan.

Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters today.

Japan's Defense Minister Ken Nakatani also stressed that he would pay close attention to the Chinese military's training, saying, "We will do our best to gather information and monitor vigilance due to the possibility of a missile launch."

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said he would keep an eye on the trends surrounding the Taiwan Strait and that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are critical to peace and stability in Asia.

Kyodo News said Defense Minister Nakatani and Foreign Minister Iwaya met with Prime Minister Ishiba, and Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed his intention to discuss the "Asian version of NATO" initiative, which he has insisted on, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense.