Japan and Australia have been steadily deepening their security collaboration. They are addressing the growing fears over China’s aggressive military buildup in the Asia-Pacific. The two nations have increased joint military exercises in the South China Sea through frameworks such as the Quad and the Japan-Australia-US-Philippines group. This partnership could not have arrived at a more opportune moment, with noted strategic alignment between the two countries and the need to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation.
Kazuhiro Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to Australia, told the ABC the changing security environment means closer cooperation is vital for both countries. In the past, he’s underscored the importance of creating and advancing an “equilateral” security triangle involving the United States. Such an approach would both deepen Japan-Australia security cooperation and strengthen response capabilities in the face of potential contingencies.
Expanding Defense Collaboration
Japan and Australia have deepened their defense relationship considerably in recent years. The arrival of Japanese F-35s in Australia for joint training in the Northern Territory marks a notable milestone in their military collaboration. Adding to the deepening military ties has been the participation of Japanese marines on U.S. rotations to the Northern Territory, anchoring their growing military footprint into Australia’s north.
The two countries have been deeply engaged in joint, multilateral exercises. During Exercise Talisman Sabre, 1,500 members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force participated. Mr. Suzuki underscored that a greater Japanese presence in Australia strengthens Australia’s own deterrence. Fifth, this step bolsters Japan’s strategic resilience, thereby enhancing their and America’s joint deterrence capabilities.
Both Japan and Australia are firmly committed to working together on these strategic analyses. They will find common responses at their annual meetings of allied defense and foreign ministers. Together, this collaborative framework addresses rising worries surrounding China’s recent expansionist moves within the South China Sea. Yet, it focuses on deterrence in the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
“In the 21st century, as democracies face mounting external pressures, it is vital that we strengthen cooperation to reinforce those traditional alliance structures.” – Kazuhiro Suzuki
Economic Ties and Environmental Initiatives
Japan and Australia enjoy a vibrant economic relationship. Japan continues to be Australia’s second most important bilateral market for exports of gas, further highlighting the importance of their bilateral relationship. While both nations confront these challenges, they are doubling down on environmental efforts.
Japan has already made strides to support Southeast Asian countries in their decarbonization efforts via the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). This ambitious initiative is a demonstration of Japan’s own commitment to sustainable development and its desire to encourage regional collaboration on collaborative, environmental priorities.
Japan and Australia’s collaboration goes further than the traditional security imperative. Together, through targeted investments in environmental sustainability, both countries hope to encourage a more resilient and interconnected Asia-Pacific region.
Looking Ahead
As they approach the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Nara Treaty in 2026, Japan and Australia are poised to deepen their partnership further. The ongoing discussions about defense strategies, economic collaboration, and environmental initiatives will shape their relationship in the years to come.
Mr. Suzuki expressed optimism about this evolving partnership, stating, “The first priority is to transform the Japan–Australia–US triangle, where the Japan–Australia side remains the shortest, into a more equilateral triangle by deepening Japan–Australia security cooperation.”
