Japan, Australia Agree to Boost Security Ties amid Tensions
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, agreed on Sunday (December 7) to deepen security cooperation, mainly in response to an incident involving Chinese military aircraft targeting Japanese Air Self-Defence Force fighter jets.
- Japan and Australia will establish a "Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination" to enhance cooperation in intelligence, space, and cyber domains.
- The agreement is a response to regional tensions, such as a recent incident where a Chinese fighter jet locked its radar on a Japanese aircraft.
- The Australian Navy plans to acquire an upgraded version of Japan's Mogami-class frigates, with a contract expected by the end of the fiscal year.
At their meeting at the Japanese Defence Ministry in Tokyo, Koizumi said, "We will respond resolutely and calmly to ensure regional peace and stability."
In the incident, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet intermittently locked its radar on the ASDF's F-15 fighter jets twice over international waters southwest of Okinawa Prefecture, southernmost Japan, on Saturday.
Marles expressed concern, stating that it is a very worrying situation.
He conveyed his intention to take joint steps with Japan.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Koizumi emphasised, "Japan and Australia attach importance to an order based on the rule of law."
Referring to the situation surrounding Taiwan, Marles said that he does not want to change the status quo.
At the meeting, the ministers agreed to establish "the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination," which will be headed by both defence ministers.
This framework will serve as a control tower to discuss defence cooperation in areas such as intelligence, space and cyber.
The ministers also affirmed a policy of concluding a contract by the end of this fiscal year through next March for the Australian Navy's plan to introduce an upgraded version of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force's Mogami-class frigate.
On Saturday, Marles visited Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Nagasaki shipyard in southwestern Japan, which builds Mogami-class frigates.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
