Australia strategic partner of Japan, announces senior Japanese official

Tokyo – A senior Japanese official announced, ‘Australia is a strategic partner of Japan, and the military cooperation will increase between the two countries, given the new initiatives.’ Japanese and Australian air forces signed the all-important interoperability agreement. On this occasion, the Japanese air force underlined the importance of cooperation with Australia. Cooperation between Japan and Australia is increasing because of the rising Chinese aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific sector. Two weeks ago, both the countries had announced that the defence cooperation would be increased between the two countries, mentioning the increasing Chinese threat.

At the beginning of June, Two-Plus-Two talks were held between Defence and Foreign Ministers of Japan and Australia. Criticising the increasing Chinese aggressive activities in the East and the South China Sea, Japan and Australia had announced that bilateral defence cooperation would be increased. At the same time, if the situation demands in the near future, Japan has agreed to protect the Australian destroyers and fighter jets. However, China had expressed annoyance over this cooperation between Japan and Australia.

The next phase of cooperation between the two countries has started, and Japanese and Australian air forces signed an interoperability agreement. As per this agreement, a facility for refuelling each other’s aircraft mid-air will be available. A senior Japanese official clarified that this cooperation was necessary for sponsoring and strengthening free and open conditions in the Indo-Pacific sector. Australia is a strategic partner country of Japan. With this new initiative, the Japanese official said that the military cooperation between the two countries would increase.

A few days ago, a special joint exercise was held by the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australian navies for the Indo-Pacific sector’s security. It was announced that this exercise was held for the safety of the island groups in this sector. However, China had objected to the activity. Meanwhile, naval exercises will be held in August for increasing the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific sector. Japan also may join the practices scheduled to be held between the United States and Australia. After that, the British aircraft carrier will be entering this sector.