Ministerial talks on foreign affairs and defense between Japan and Australia will be held, and the Self-Defense Forces will add Australian troops to protect ships of other countries in order to share serious concerns about China's advance into the ocean and strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries. I confirmed.
For the first time in about two and a half years, the ministerial talks on foreign affairs and defense between Japan and Australia, the so-called 2 plus 2, will be held online, with Foreign Minister Mogi and Defense Minister Kishi from the Japanese side, and Foreign Minister Payne and Defense Minister Dutton from the Australian side. I participated.
At the beginning, Minister Mogi said with China in mind, "Strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region has intensified, and the international order has been challenged by unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. Security and defense cooperation between the two countries I would like to have a big-picture discussion to take this to a new level. "
Minister Kishi also said, "There is an ever-increasing need for unity of comrades who share basic values and strategic interests. The Self-Defense Forces and the Australian Army will contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. We have to evolve. "
The talks shared serious concerns about China's expansion into the East China Sea and South China Sea and confirmed that it would strengthen cooperation towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
They also agreed that the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is important and that it promotes a peaceful solution to the cross-strait issue.
Furthermore, in order to further strengthen defense cooperation, it was confirmed that the Self-Defense Forces would add the Australian Army to the target of "weapon protection" to protect ships of other countries, and the Self-Defense Forces and the Australian Army would facilitate joint training and disaster support. We also confirmed that we will accelerate coordination towards the signing of a new agreement that will allow us to do so.
Defense Minister Kishi "Japan and Australia are special strategic partners"
After the talks, Defense Minister Kishi told reporters, "Japan and Australia are both US allies and special strategic partners who share basic values and strategic interests. The protection of Australian military weapons is the Indo-Pacific. It will enhance interoperability with the Self-Defense Forces in the region and serve as a basis for regular cooperation, which is of great significance for Japan's peace and security and Japan-Australia cooperation. "