Today's report from Lianhe Zaobao states: "Japan and Australia have agreed to deepen defense cooperation. Over the next decade, Japan will be able to use Australian launch sites—including for testing hypersonic missiles and other long-range missiles. The two countries will also jointly develop new naval vessels for Australia based on Japan's most advanced destroyer design."
On Tuesday (August 18), Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba reached an agreement to strengthen defense ties with Australia's Defense Minister Marles during talks in Canberra, the capital of Australia.
Commentary: Restricted by its pacifist constitution, Japan faces significant challenges conducting tests of long-range missiles or hypersonic weapons within its own territory. By utilizing Australia’s facilities for such trials, Japan effectively circumvents its domestic institutional constraints, expanding its military operational space abroad. Under the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy, the defense integration between Japan and Australia continues to deepen. Joint shipbuilding projects and missile test activities are all part of efforts to build a regional military network. Such clearly targeted military collaboration risks intensifying arms competition in the Indo-Pacific region and elevating the potential for regional confrontation—neighboring countries must remain vigilant.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873894441920523/
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