Canberra and Tokyo have committed to enhanced cooperation between their militaries following a year of talks
A “landmark” defense deal has been signed by the governments of Australia and Japan, amid increased tensions with China in the Asia-Pacific. The pact sees the two nations commit to reciprocal military access.
On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a virtual meeting to put pen to paper on the Reciprocal Access Agreement.
“Japan is our closest partner in Asia, as demonstrated by our special strategic partnership – Australia’s only such partnership,” Morrison said, adding that it was “an equal partnership” based on the shared trust between two committed “democracies.”
The deal was a “pivotal moment for Australia and Japan, and the security of our two nations and our people,” he added.
Kishida described the agreement as “a landmark instrument which will elevate security cooperation between the nations to new heights.”
China was not mentioned at the signing ceremony, but the move, which is particularly significant for Japan, comes amid what other nations see as increased assertiveness from Beijing.
Speaking during a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said agreements between nations should focus on peace, and must “not target any third parties.”