The top US military commander in the Pacific is hosting Japan’s most senior uniformed officer for talks on regional security and strengthening the US-Japan alliance.

Adm. Samuel Locklear from US Pacific Command and Japan Self Defence Forces’ joint chief, General Shigeru Iwasaki, are meeting in Hawaii on Thursday and Friday.

Staff Sergeant Carl Hudson, a Pacific Command spokesman, said the meetings are a regularly scheduled consultation between the two allies.

Kyodo News reports the two will discuss joint operation plans for any contingency involving islands claimed by both Japan and China.

Hudson says the US doesn’t take sides in territorial disputes and encourages all parties to find a peaceful resolution.