Japan, Australia agree to boost defense cooperation amid China’s growing assertiveness in Asia-Pacific region

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese agreed to boost practical defense cooperation between the two nations amid growing assertiveness by China in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japanese Prime Minister, who is on a three-day visit to Australia, signed a joint declaration with Mr. Albanese. In the declaration, Japan and Australia have agreed to take action against countries violating international rules and norms

In the latest declaration, the two leaders confirmed the significance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision advocated by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In 2007, Abe and then Australian Prime Minister John Howard had signed a document that recognized “common strategic interests and security benefits embodied in their respective alliance relationships with the United States.

Japan imports natural gas, iron ore and other vital resources from Australia, making it a key partner.