Japan Strengthens Military Ties with Australia Amid Regional Tensions

Japan pledged to deepen military ties with Australia during a high-level visit Thursday, as Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa emphasized the importance of “like-minded” partners standing united against shared regional threats.

Kamikawa, along with Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, met with their Australian counterparts at a historic army fort outside Melbourne. The meeting resulted in agreements to increase air force cooperation and expand joint military exercises between the two nations.

The officials also agreed to provide joint assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard, which is facing rising tensions with Chinese ships in the contested waters of the South China Sea.

“Amidst the increasingly difficult security environment in the Indo-Pacific, we need to constantly elevate Japan-Australia security cooperation,” Kamikawa said following the talks, highlighting the “like-minded partnership” between the two countries.

China’s expanding economic and military influence in the Asia-Pacific, along with its assertive stance on territorial disputes, has raised concerns among the United States and key allies, including Japan and Australia.

In recent weeks, Tokyo has accused China of sending a naval ship through Japanese waters and flying a surveillance plane into its airspace.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed “serious concerns” over these recent “incursions” into Japanese territory during the meeting.

Among the agreements reached, Japan and Australia committed to enhancing air force cooperation and participating in military exercises alongside the United States. Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade could soon join U.S. Marines stationed at Australia’s northern base near Darwin.

Kihara also noted that Japan is considering deploying its fleet of F-35 stealth fighters to Australian airfields, though no formal agreement has been made.

“As for the rotation of Air Self-Defense Force aircraft, we will continue consultations between Australia and Japan,” Kihara said.

The two nations also pledged to support the Philippine Coast Guard, though the specifics of that assistance were not detailed.

Both Japan and northern Australia serve as critical military gateways to potential hotspots such as the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea. The two countries are also part of the Quad alliance, which includes the U.S. and India, and is viewed as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.

Japan has recently expressed interest in aspects of the AUKUS security pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, particularly in developing advanced military technologies.

Long known for its pacifist stance, Japan has been increasing its defense spending with backing from the U.S. Meanwhile, Australia is undergoing its own military transformation, investing in long-range strike capabilities and nuclear-powered submarines.