Current:Home > NewsJapan and Australia agree to further step up defense cooperation under 2-month-old security pact -RiskWatch
Japan and Australia agree to further step up defense cooperation under 2-month-old security pact
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-04-11 03:45:24
TOKYO (AP) — Japan and Australia agreed Thursday to further expand defense ties, including with joint military exercises, under their upgraded security pact that took effect two months ago amid mutual concern about China’s growing influence in the region.
The two countries have rapidly developed close defense ties in recent years, and Japan considers Australia as a semi-ally, its closest security partner after the United States, its only treaty ally.
Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, also agreed during talks in Tokyo to step up their three-way military cooperation with the United States, the Japanese Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Kihara and Marles said that deepening their operational cooperation and joint exercises, and enhancing interoperability, were important steps in increasing their bilateral defense ties. The two ministers confirmed that there was continiung progress in those areas under their Reciprocal Access Agreement, which took effect in August.
Other news
Japan criticizes Russian ban on its seafood following the release of treated radioactive water
Unification Church slams Japan’s dissolution request as a threat to religious freedom
Japan’s government asks a court to revoke the legal religious status of the Unification Church
The agreement is aimed at breaking down legal barriers to allow troops to enter each other’s country for training and other purposes. Other than with the United States, Japan has such defense pacts with only Australia and Britain.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government adopted a new security strategy last December that focuses on reinforcing strike capability, in a break from Japan’s postwar principle of having a military only for self-defense.
Under the strategy, Japan also aims to nearly double its defense spending over the next five years, which would make it the world’s third-biggest spender after the United States and China.
Japan has been building up its defense spending and military power in part to deter China in territorial disputes it has with Beijing over islands that Tokyo controls in the East China Sea.
Australia has stepped up engagement in the South Pacific where it is concerned about China’s growing involvement, including the signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands.
Under the new security agreement, Japan and Australia are discussing exercises deploying F-35A fighter jets to both countries, the Japanese ministry said.
“The Reciprocate Access Agreement is very central to the advancement of our relationship,” Marles told Kihara during their talks Thursday. “From the Australian point of view, we really see, in Japan, we see our future security in the region and in the world.”
The ministers confirmed the importance of cooperating on technology and welcomed the conclusion of a contract for the joint development of laser technology by Australia’s Defense Department and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Australia, the Japanese ministry said.
___
AP video journalist Ayaka McGill contributed to this report.
veryGood! (28)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- How Rachel Bilson Deals With the Criticism About Her NSFW Confessions
- 2024 NFL draft first-round order: Bears, via Panthers, currently have No. 1 pick
- Kentucky under state of emergency as dozens of wildfires spread amid drought conditions
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Michigan man cleared of sexual assault after 35 years in prison
- Somber bugles and bells mark Armistice Day around the globe as wars drown out peace messages
- Colorado star Shedeur Sanders is nation's most-sacked QB. Painkillers may be his best blockers.
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Taylor Swift nabs another album of the year Grammy nomination for 'Midnights,' 6 total nods
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- National Guard members fight to have injuries recognized and covered: Nobody's listening
- Brazilian Influencer Luana Andrade Dead at 29 After Liposuction Surgery
- Columbia University suspends pro-Palestinian and Jewish student clubs
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- A Marine veteran says the contradictions of war can make you feel insane
- Why Hunger Games Prequel Star Hunter Schafer Wants to Have a Drink With Jennifer Lawrence
- Michigan man cleared of sexual assault after 35 years in prison
Recommendation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
Cuffing season has arrived. Don't jump into a relationship just because it's here.
Who’s running for president? See a rundown of the 2024 candidates
What Britney Spears' book taught me about resilience and self love
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
Durham District Attorney Deberry’s entry shakes up Democratic primary race for attorney general
4 wounded in shooting at Missouri shopping mall near Kansas City; 3 suspects in custody
A teenager taken from occupied Mariupol to Russia will return to Ukraine, officials say