Defense Ministers from U.S., Japan, and Australia Enhance Military Collaboration Amid Rising China Tensions
CANBERRA, Australia — In a significant development, Japan plans to deploy troops for joint training exercises with U.S. Marines and Australian forces in northern Australia. This announcement was made by the defense ministers of the three nations, who are increasingly concerned about confrontations with China’s assertive military posture.
Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles facilitated discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japan’s Defense Minister Nakatani Gen in Darwin.
The trilateral alliance is set to commence amphibious training operations involving Australia, Japan, and the U.S. Marine rotational force in northern Australia starting in 2025, with the inaugural Exercise Talisman Sabre. Australia will also take part in Exercise Orient Shield in Japan for the first time next year.
A joint statement expressed “serious concern” over destabilizing activities in the East and South China Seas, highlighting “dangerous conduct” by the Chinese military towards Philippine and other regional vessels. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory.
The defense ministers also emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, where China has intensified military harassment through frequent drills around self-ruled Taiwan.
Marles noted in previous discussions with his Japanese counterpart the desire to cultivate greater familiarity between their armed forces. He highlighted that one key opportunity involves Japan’s participation in activities during the U.S. Marine rotation in Australia.
When questioned about potential repercussions from Beijing regarding this increased military partnership, Marles affirmed that the focus remains on strengthening relationships with like-minded nations and allies.
