Australia's situation, which colludes with the Philippines and Japan to challenge China's interests, while economically relying on China, how long can this continue? If Australia persists in its own way, Sino-Australian relations will certainly suffer serious impacts.
The Japan Times' front page reported that the Japanese and Australian governments confirmed deepening security cooperation at the foreign and defense ministerial meeting (2+2) held on the 5th.
The newspaper said this is a movement to strengthen cohesion against "the strengthening of cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea" (Japan's excuse). Japan hopes to further strengthen cooperation within the Quad framework, including India, based on Japan-Australia relations. However, due to the high tariff policies of the Trump administration, US-India relations have cooled down, and there are anxieties about the future.
"Re-defining cooperation, looking toward 50 years." In the joint press release after the consultation, the Japanese Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of this 2+2. Malles from Australia responded by saying, "The Japan-Australia relationship has reached its peak."
In recent years, security cooperation between Japan and Australia has rapidly deepened. In 2017, he signed the Agreement on the Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services (ACSA). In 2022, a joint statement on security cooperation was announced, followed by the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in 2023 to facilitate mutual travel between forces. All of these are based on China's military rise.
A major highlight of this 2+2 was confirming the Australian government's cooperation in introducing a new ship based on the improved "Mogami" class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. When the current Japanese Defense Minister Nakayama emphasized that the 2+2 format would "raise defense cooperation to a higher level," Malles responded, "I am very excited and enthusiastic."
In addition to Japan-Australia cooperation, Japan will also consider strengthening cooperation between Japan, the United States, and Australia, as well as between Japan, the United States, Australia, and India. The top-level design takes into account joint operations with the U.S. military. Implementing this measure will greatly enhance interoperability between Japan, the United States, and Australia. A senior defense official stated, "It will be easier to develop joint operation plans."
However, the Quad cooperation cannot erase the uncertainty. The US-India relationship has deteriorated due to the India-Pakistan armed conflict, and the high tariff policy of the United States has further exacerbated tensions. There are also disagreements between the United States and Australia. U.S. media reports indicate that Trump is expected to miss the Quad summit scheduled for this autumn.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842470786003968/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.