Japan and Australia to Boost Joint Military Training Amid China Tensions

Japan and Australia have agreed to expand joint military training exercises, reflecting their shared concerns over China's recent assertive actions in the region. This decision was announced on Thursday following a summit in Queenscliff, Australia, where Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with Australian counterparts Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

The ministers discussed increasing security cooperation in light of China's growing territorial ambitions, particularly in the South and East China Seas, and its recent incursions into Japanese airspace and waters. Wong emphasized their commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the need to counteract unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force.

The expanded training will include more joint exercises for the two air forces and will feature Australian participation in next year's Orient Shield, the largest annual field training exercise between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Additionally, Japanese forces will join annual U.S. Marine training rotations in Darwin, Australia.

Japan has recently expressed formal protests to China over incursions, including a Chinese survey ship entering Japanese waters and a Chinese military aircraft briefly entering Japanese airspace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China had no intention of violating any nation's airspace.

Kihara confirmed that these incidents were a key topic of discussion, expressing strong opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. Marles reiterated support for Japanese sovereignty and emphasized the shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.