WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appear to have got off to a good start at their summit in Washington DC, with Mr Trump saying at a joint press conference "We are committed to the security of Japan."

The President also thanked Mr Abe for hosting US forces in Japan.

"We developed a great friendship" he said. "We have very good chemistry."

The two leaders' joint statement said: "Amid an increasingly difficult security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States will strengthen its presence in the region, and Japan will assume larger roles and responsibilities in the alliance."

Mr Trump in mentioning the security alliance, alluded as well to Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Treaty, which refers to "territories under the administration of Japan" as covered by the agreement. The joint statement did as well, saying "Article V of the US-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers the Senkaku Islands."

Japan and the US "oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of these islands" the statement said. "The United States and Japan will deepen cooperation to safeguard the peace and stability of the East China Sea."

"The United States and Japan oppose any attempt to assert maritime claims through the use of intimidation, coercion or force... (and)... call on countries concerned to avoid actions that would escalate tensions in the South China Sea, including the militarisation of outposts, and to act in accordance with international law."

The statement also "affirmed the commitment of the United States and Japan to the realignment of US forces in Japan, to ensure the long-term, sustainable presence of US forces".

At their joint press conference, Mr Abe heaped praise on Mr Trump, and refused to be drawn into criticising his decision to withdraw the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership.

Mr Abe referred to a "new framework for economic dialogue" which will be the subject of further discussions between him and Mr Trump, and between Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso and Vice-President Mike Pence.