Tokyo: Australia and Japan are moving closer in defence cooperation as regional tensions continue to grow, with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles set to visit Tokyo this week for talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjirō Koizumi. The meeting comes shortly after the new government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in Japan.
Officials from both countries say the visit will focus on strengthening military cooperation, supporting joint defence industry projects and discussing shared concerns about security in the Indo Pacific. The talks are also expected to include cyber defence, joint exercises and supply chain security.
Earlier this year, Australia awarded a contract worth about 10 billion Australian dollars to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for building new navy frigates. This marks Japan’s largest defence export since it eased restrictions on military sales.
The visit comes at a time of rising pressure in the region, especially as China increases its military presence at sea. Reports in recent days say China has deployed more than one hundred naval and coast guard vessels across East Asian waters, which some see as one of its biggest displays of maritime power in recent years.
Both Australia and Japan have expressed concern about regional stability, especially around Taiwan. Japan’s new leaders have taken a tougher stance on Beijing, saying any threat to Taiwan could affect Japanese security. China has strongly criticised this position.
After his Tokyo meetings, Marles is expected to travel to Washington for further discussions with defence leaders from the United States and the United Kingdom. The visit will continue talks on the AUKUS partnership, which includes plans for Australia to develop nuclear-powered submarines with support from its partners.
Analysts say the increased cooperation between Australia and Japan signals a shift toward closer strategic alignment among countries with shared concerns about the balance of power in the Indo Pacific. They also warn that the growing number of military activities in the region could increase the risk of misunderstandings if diplomacy does not keep pace.
Both governments maintain that their cooperation is aimed at improving stability and deterring conflict, not provoking it. Officials are expected to give a joint statement after this week’s meetings.