The Prime Minister of Japan and Australia could agree on a defense treaty that will strengthen the relationship between two important US allies in Asia in order to cope with China’s growing influence in the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Tokyo on November 16
AFP
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid a visit to Japan on November 16. Japanese media reported that Mr. Morrison plans to sign a Mutual Access Agreement (RAA) with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, in order to establish a legal framework for the forces of both sides to visit for training and implementation. General military operations, according to Reuters.
“There will be an important announcement from the talks between the two leaders,” an unnamed Japanese Foreign Ministry official said at a press conference, but did not elaborate, according to Reuters.
It took the two sides six years to negotiate an RAA and the treaty needs to be ratified by parliament. Previously, Japan and Australia signed an agreement to share military supplies in 2013 and expanded in 2017 to include ammunition supplies.
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Tokyo and Canberra have tightened ties over fears of Chinese activities in the region, including militarization in the South China Sea, exercises around disputed islands in the East China Sea and Beijing strengthens influence in the islands. Pacific country.
Although Japan gave up the right to wage war after World War II, its Self-Defense Force is one of the largest and most modern in Asia, with a squadron of stealth fighters. , helicopters, submarines and recently established amphibious units, supported by the US Marine Corps. Australia is also an important military power in the region, with amphibious forces able to carry out missions abroad.
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Australia officially rejected China’s claim in the South China Sea
Last month, Prime Minister Suga chaired a meeting in Tokyo with the foreign ministers of the informal “Quad” coalition comprising Japan, Australia, the US and India.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has declared Beijing’s intentions in the Asia-Pacific region to be peaceful. Beijing even described the “Diamond Quartet” as a “sub-NATO” aimed at restraining China.