In Brief
- Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is in Australia, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
- Australia will strengthen its trade and security relationship with Japan under a new, ‘quasi alliance’.
Australia and Japan have cemented a new level of partnership by signing agreements that aim to strengthen their “quasi-alliance” in various arenas, notably in economic security.
On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unveiled plans for expanded collaboration in areas such as defense, security, critical minerals, cybersecurity, and trade.
During a joint statement, Albanese emphasized that these agreements will serve the interests of both countries.
“For Australians, this means we will be better shielded from global disruptions, like those currently emanating from conflicts in the Middle East,” Albanese noted.
“This translates to increased security for our farmers as they plan their harvests and more predictability for citizens when fueling their vehicles,” he added.
Takaichi pointed out that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in Iran is having a significant impact on the Indo-Pacific region.
“The two countries have built a relationship as frontrunners in co-operation among like-minded countries by advancing pioneering security co-operation at a level that could be described as quasi-allies,” she said.
The major agreement, a joint declaration on economic security co-operation, is set against expanding Chinese military might in the region.
The statement outlines a deal for both nations to consult the other on economic security measures as well as ways to reduce risk.
This will be in a bid to enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial links for Australian producers.
Critical minerals were labelled a core pillar of the relationship to drive investment in projects that address supply chain vulnerabilities.
On defence and security, both nations agreed to increase information sharing, co-sustainment of defence capabilities and advanced weapons testing.
Australia chose Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply its upgraded Mogami-class frigate for Australia’s navy in a $10 billion deal.
Takaichi said she was pleased the agreement had been finalised, and pledged Japan would steadfastly follow through on the contract.
The two governments also agreed to establish an Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue that will include academia and business groups.
Earlier, Albanese welcomed the Japanese leader to Parliament House where she received a gun-salute.
School students waving Japanese and Australian flags greeted the pair, before they posed for a selfie in parliament’s marble foyer.
The visit marks 50 years since the signing of a treaty that established relations between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong played down reports the talks could turn to a Japanese back-up for the $368 billion AUKUS submarine deal with the US and UK.
In a report for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, former defence official Richard Gray said that risks in the AUKUS program could leave the country without a submarine.
He recommended Japan as an attractive partner to explore contingencies.
Senator Wong said Australia would continue to focus on AUKUS.
“We have a clear AUKUS plan, that is our focus,” she said.
The conservative Japanese leader, who considers former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher an inspiration, won a massive election victory in October giving her a mandate to push through key reforms.
During her trip, Takaichi laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial and visited Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
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