Australia’s Defense Minister is traveling to Tokyo to discuss deepening defense cooperation, regional security strategies, and strengthening bilateral military partnerships with Japan.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles will travel to Tokyo on Saturday for high-level talks aimed at expanding defence cooperation with Japan, his office confirmed.
According to Reuters, Marles will meet Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to discuss military collaboration, security coordination and shared regional interests. The visit marks one of the earliest defence-level engagements with the new government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
ABC News, report that the visit comes against the backdrop of increasing Indo-Pacific strategic competition, particularly amid concerns over China’s growing military activity. Canberra and Tokyo have strengthened defence ties in recent years, including joint drills and reciprocal access agreements.
Before his departure, Marles said the Australia–Japan relationship is “growing stronger every year” and is based on shared strategic alignment, common values and significant capability development. He added that both countries see themselves as key players in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
Analysts quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald say the visit underscores Canberra’s commitment to multilateral regional security frameworks and signals continuity in Australia’s defence approach despite shifting geopolitical pressure.
Marles is also expected to travel to Washington next week to hold talks with the defence ministers of the United States and United Kingdom on the AUKUS partnership, including nuclear-powered submarine cooperation and emerging defence technologies.
The visit is seen as part of a broader Australian strategy to deepen alliances and ensure a coordinated response to evolving security risks in the Indo-Pacific.
AloJapan.com