“A lot of countries in our region, whether it’s the Pacific or South-East Asia, they are predominantly concerned about development, about economics, about nation-building — not necessarily about what a rising China means for their defence or military interests,”
The ministers agreed on more engagement in training exercises involving the two air forces after F-35A Lighting II stealth fighters from both countries joined in combat training over Japan last year in Exercise Bushido Guardian
Deployments of Japanese F-35 fighter jets to northern Australia will be ramped up as part of a deepening of security ties between the two countries, while Anthony Albanese prepares to join Quad leaders for a summit in the US later this month.
Late last month, Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest after a Chinese spy plane allegedly breached its airspace for the first time near the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea.
Shared concern by Australia and Japan over Chinese aggression prompted the signing of a landmark defence pact that came into force last year, making it easier for each country’s military to operate in the other nation.
At Thursday’s 2+2 talks, ministers are expected to expand the rotation of Japanese F-35 fighter jets for temporary basing in Australia, including joint exercises alongside US Marines in Darwin. Two Japanese jets were dispatched to Australia a year ago to test the viability of deployments.
In a strongly symbolic message, the talks will be held at Queenscliff, east of Geelong – home of the secretive Swan Island defence and spy training facility.
The exercise has taken place each year since 2015.
More than 650 military personnel including US Marines and sailors have joined Japanese and Australian soldiers for a large-scale, live-fire training exercise this month.
The exercise, which will include live firing, comprises 400 Australian Defence Force (ADF) soldiers, 190 US Marines from Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) and 70 soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF).
It started Monday and is scheduled to take place throughout the heritage-listed, 453,700 hectare Shoalwater Bay Military Training area, about 80km north of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, through to May 27.
Brigadier Michael Say, Commander of the Brisbane-based 7th Combat Brigade, said the combined arms exercise would include tank integration and live fire between infantries.