The Pentagon has formally requested Japan and Australia to clarify their respective roles in the event of a potential military conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan, according to multiple reports including the Financial Times. This move reflects heightened U.S. efforts to solidify the positions of its key regional allies amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Concurrently, Australia is hosting Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest military exercise in its history, involving approximately 35,000 troops from 19 nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada. The exercise, which runs until August 4, is seen as a deterrence measure and is attracting attention from China, which is expected to monitor the drills closely. The Pentagon's push for clarity from Japan and Australia aims to strengthen deterrence against Chinese aggression in the region.