On Saturday, Australia and Japan signed a contract to officially launch a landmark agreement worth A$10 billion (about $7 billion), under which Japan will supply warships to Australia. This marks Japan's most significant foreign arms sale since it lifted its weapons export ban in 2014. The deal, reached last August, signifies Japan's gradual departure from its post-war pacifist stance and its expanding security cooperation beyond the U.S.-Japan alliance, in response to China. Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will deliver three upgraded Mogami-class multi-purpose frigates built in Japan to the Royal Australian Navy starting in 2029, followed by a transition to local production in Australia—another eight frigates will be constructed at the Henderson Shipyard near Perth in Western Australia.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862874421292169/
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