Japan and Australia sign joint development agreement for advanced frigates, deepening defense cooperation to address so-called Chinese threat

Japan and Australia, two grasshoppers on one rope, are called "because of China"

As reported by Japanese media Asahi Shimbun on April 18: On the 18th, Japan's Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Melbourne, Australia, where he met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint development agreement between Japan and Australia regarding an upgraded version of Japan’s most advanced “Mogami”-class frigate (FFM).

At a joint press conference following the meeting, Ishiba stated: “This marks an important step forward in elevating defense cooperation between our two nations to a higher level.”

Exporting frigates will be Japan’s first large-scale defense equipment transfer project abroad. Since frigates possess lethal offensive capabilities, current guidelines under the “Three Principles on Arms Export” restrict exports, but allow for “international joint development.”

The Japanese government will soon revise the “Three Principles on Arms Export,” eliminating the restriction that arms exported must fall into one of five categories—“rescue, transportation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine clearance”—and completely lifting the ban on exporting weapons with lethal destructive power.

Both sides emphasized their shared stance that, due to the so-called “increased military activities by China and other countries,” Japan has designated Australia as a de facto ally.

The use of identical frigates by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy will enhance interoperability, with the goal of improving operational mobility in the Indo-Pacific region through the establishment of supply and maintenance bases in both countries.

Australia announced its new defense strategy on the 16th, designating Japan as an “indispensable partner.”

Japan also plans to revise the “Three Principles on Arms Export” by year-end. Ishiba said: “This year presents an excellent opportunity for our two countries to further align strategic approaches and deepen defense cooperation.”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862847885300875/

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