Japan, Australia Move to Deepen Defence Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

Japan and Australia have agreed to strengthen security and defence cooperation as tensions persist in the region, particularly over Taiwan.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, reached the agreement during talks in Tokyo on Sunday. The meeting focused on enhancing defence coordination and advancing joint military initiatives.

The ministers confirmed progress toward finalising a deal by the end of Japan’s current fiscal year in March for the Australian Navy to acquire an upgraded version of Japan’s Mogami-class frigate, currently operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Addressing reports that Chinese military aircraft had locked fire-control radar onto Japanese fighter jets on Saturday, Koizumi said Japan would respond “firmly and calmly” to maintain regional peace and stability.

Marles described the incident as “very worrying” and said Australia would work closely with Japan in addressing the situation, according to Jiji Press. The two defence chiefs last met in Malaysia in November.

Earlier on Sunday, Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of directing radar at Japanese F-15 aircraft during two separate encounters over international waters. China, in response, alleged that Japanese military aircraft had repeatedly approached its naval exercises and engaged in what it called harassment, pledging to take “necessary measures.”

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have remained strained since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially justifying the exercise of collective self-defence.

China strongly criticised the remarks, urging tourists to avoid Japan, suspending seafood imports, and postponing a trilateral culture ministers’ meeting involving Japan and South Korea.

China considers Taiwan its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. Taiwan is located near Japan’s Yonaguni Island, adding to Tokyo’s security concerns.