Australia and Japan to enhance their defence cooperation to counter rising

Tokyo/Sydney: Japan and Australia have decided to enhance their defence cooperation against China’s increasing military and economic influence in the Island nations of the Pacific Ocean. The Australian Defence Minister visited Japan to extend the bilateral defence cooperation. Also, Australia adopted an aggressive stand by announcing to patrol in the South China Sea. Moreover, the Australian Foreign Minister has plans to visit other Pacific countries as well.

China signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Solomon Islands. Australia accused that with this, China would be able to build a military base in the Australian area of influence. China had dismissed these allegations. But within the next few days, China attempted to build similar cooperation with ten island countries like Vanuatu and Marshal Islands. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had been on a special visit to these Island countries for this purpose.

However, cautioned by the example of the Solomon Islands, the Pacific Islands’ countries withdrew from the Chinese cooperation proposal. Therefore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was forced to return empty-handed. But Australia has realised that China would again attempt to increase its military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Against this background, Australia has initiated rapid steps to increase cooperation with these island countries as a countermeasure.

On Wednesday, the newly appointed Defence Minister of Australia, Richard Marles, visited Japan and met Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi. This is the first foreign visit of Marles after taking over as the Australian Defence Minister. The Japanese Defence Minister announced that Japan and Australia would oppose any efforts to change the situation in the East and the South China Sea. Kishi clarified that Japan and Australia are responsible for establishing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific sector.

Although there is no direct mention, these are clear indications of forming a stronger front against China. Defence Minister Marles announced that Australia had taken one more step regarding the South China Sea. Australian warships will continue to patrol the region without heeding the Chinese threats. A few days ago, Chinese fighter jets fired flares in the direction of an Australian surveillance aeroplane flying in the South China Sea region. Australia had warned China of dire consequences after this. Australia deciding to continue patrolling in the South China Sea without paying any heed to Chinese threats becomes a significant development.

At the same time, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is visiting the Pacific Island nations. The Australian Foreign Minister started her visit to New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. Australia will soon be convening a meeting of the Pacific Island countries.