The eleventh Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Consultative Meeting, held in Melbourne, Japan on 5 September 2024, demonstrated the two countries’ determination to deepen strategic and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting, attended by Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, as well as Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, included important assessments and strategic decisions on the regional security environment.[1]
Japan and Australia have agreed to launch an Asia-Pacific digital plan, according to an official statement. The Australian Foreign Ministry said that the two sides agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, especially between Japan’s defense capability and Australia’s long-range offensive capability. They pledged to enhance information warfare capabilities, particularly in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Ministers committed to expanding trilateral intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and welcomed the participation of Australian personnel in the Japan-United States Bilateral Information Analysis Cell (BIAC). They said they would establish an Australia-Japan Pacific Digital Development Initiative (PDDI) to enhance connectivity and digital resilience across the Pacific, in line with the priorities of Pacific Island countries.[2]
During the meeting, the sides conducted a comprehensive assessment of the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries agreed to promote the vision of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and deepen mutual strategic recognition towards this goal. They also emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and called for increased cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities.[3]
Japan and Australia committed to deepen their strategic and security cooperation under the Australia-Japan Declaration on Joint Security Cooperation signed in 2022. The aim is to strengthen collective deterrence, enhance interoperability and coordinate national security policies more closely with the United States. They also focused on strengthening cooperation in the field of economic security, strategic infrastructure cooperation, cyber security and cooperation in the evacuation of citizens from third countries in times of crisis.[4]
Japan and Australia have also taken important steps in the areas of operational cooperation and joint training. The two countries agreed to enhance joint exercises and operational capabilities under the Australia-Japan Mutual Access Agreement. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in information warfare and technology, and to explore opportunities for cooperation with the AUKUS Pillar II Projects. The meeting also discussed the expansion of trilateral cooperation between Japan, Australia and the United States. The three countries strengthened their partnerships in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cooperation, air and missile defense architectures, and increased Japan and Australia’s cooperation with the United States on joint defense projects and military exercises.[5]
Moreover, the resignation of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may affect Japan’s regional security strategies. During his tenure, Kishida’s efforts to improve Japan-South Korea relations and strategic initiatives to strengthen security cooperation with South Korea have greatly contributed to Japan’s regional security policies. Kishida’s visit to Seoul and his commitment to cooperation with South Korea marked a historical turning point in Japan’s foreign policy.[6]
In the wake of Kishida’s resignation, Japan’s new prime minister needs to demonstrate a strong will to continue its regional security strategies and relations with South Korea in particular. This could reshape Japan’s regional security dynamics and international cooperation. The new prime minister’s ability to continue the strategic initiatives initiated by Kishida and to maintain peaceful relations with South Korea despite historical problems is critical for Japan to maintain coherence in its international security cooperation.
The 2+2 meetings between Japan and Australia reinforced the commitment to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and reshaped the dynamics of the regional strategic environment. In this context, Japan’s and Australia’s joint security strategies will have significant implications not only for bilateral relations but also for the geopolitical balance in the wider Asia-Pacific region. Japan and Australia’s security cooperation is central to their efforts to strengthen the security structure in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure regional stability. In particular, China’s regional military presence and unilateral actions in the South China Sea have made Japan and Australia’s joint security strategies even more urgent. This could shift the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to strengthening the regional security architecture by deepening Japan and Australia’s strategic partnership.
The strengthening of Japan and Australia’s security cooperation can significantly influence the geopolitical balance in the Asia-Pacific region. It can contribute to strengthening the regional security architecture and supporting multilateral security structures. They can also limit China’s influence in the regional strategic space and integrate Japan and Australia’s strategic partnerships into a broader international security structure. The role of the ICAUS in regional security structures is an important factor in strengthening Japan and Australia’s strategic cooperation.
Japan and Australia’s strategic cooperation is an important step in strengthening security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring regional stability and supporting international security structures. Kishida’s resignation and the policies of the new prime minister could shape Japan’s foreign policy strategies and regional security dynamics and lead to significant changes in geopolitical balances in the Asia-Pacific region. The implications of the ICCPR for the regional security architecture emphasize the importance of international cooperation to strengthen strategic partnerships and ensure regional security.
[1] “Eleventh Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (“2+2”)”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/au/pageite_000001_00553.html, (Date of Access: 06.09.2024).
[2] “Japan, Australia agree to elevate defense ties, launch Pacific digital plan”, Defense Here, https://www.defensehere.com/en/japan-australia-agree-to-elevate-defense-ties-launch-pacific-digital-plan, (Date of Access: 06.09.2024).
[3] “Eleventh Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (“2+2”)”, a.g.e., (Date of Access: 06.09.2024).
[4] Ibid.
[5] “Australia to boost military cooperation with Japan”, VOA, https://www.voanews.com/a/australia-to-boost-military-cooperation-with-japan-/7773846.html, (Date of Access: 06.09.2024).
[6] “Japan’s Kishida heads on final mission to preserve relationship with Seoul”, VOA, https://www.voanews.com/a/japan-s-kishida-heads-on-final-mission-to-preserve-relationship-with-seoul-/7773655.html, (Date of Access: 06.09.2024).
