In a recent 2+2 ministerial meeting in Melbourne, Japan and Australia have decided to bolster their partnership to ensure economic security and regional stability. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara from Japan met with their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, to discuss strengthening their alliance. The two countries have affirmed their commitment to advancing their Special Strategic Partnership, emphasizing the importance of increasing bilateral economic security dialogue to foster collaboration on economic and strategic risks.
One of the key agreements reached during the meeting was the collaboration on developing evacuation plans for their citizens in case of emergencies in a third country. This demonstrates the shared commitment of Japan and Australia to safeguarding the well-being of their citizens during times of crisis. Japan sees its relationship with Australia as a significant partnership, often described as a "quasi-alliance" that holds strategic importance second only to its alliance with the United States. Tokyo continues to prioritize security cooperation with Australia, its Pacific neighbor.
Additionally, the joint statement issued by Japan and Australia expressed serious concerns regarding China's escalating and coercive actions against the Philippines related to territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Both nations strongly condemned any attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion, particularly in the East China Sea and other regions. In a show of solidarity and cooperation, Japan welcomed Australia's upcoming participation in the Orient Shield military exercise, a joint initiative involving the United States and Japan, highlighting the deepening military ties and collaboration among the three nations.