The Japanese and Australian governments have made a commitment to support the development of telecommunications infrastructure for Pacific island nations. This decision was reached during a meeting between foreign and defense ministers, known as the “two-plus-two,” in Queenscliff near Melbourne on Thursday.
The purpose of this initiative is to counter China’s assertive maritime expansion. The new framework, called the Japan-Australia Pacific Digital Development Initiative, will involve both countries providing funding and technology for projects such as the installation of submarine cables for telecommunications.
These cables are considered vulnerable to data extraction or disruption, and with China’s increasing influence in the region, Japan and Australia believe that Pacific island nations should avoid relying on Chinese-made cables. In addition to this, both countries plan to accelerate efforts to strengthen cybersecurity.
The joint statement also highlights the upgrade of the Japan-Australia Economic Security Dialogue in response to China’s use of economic coercion. While working-level discussions on economic security have taken place before, this dialogue will now occur at a higher level with the aim of exploring more concrete bilateral cooperation.
The statement strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas. It emphasizes the need for further deepening security cooperation between Japan and Australia in order to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities.
As part of this cooperation, Japan will send a liaison officer from its Self-Defense Forces’ Joint Staff Office to work with Australia’s Headquarters Joint Operations Command. This is in preparation for launching joint operations later this fiscal year, with the goal of enhancing operational coordination between their respective military forces. The dispatch of this liaison officer is expected to begin as early as November.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Japan will collaborate with Australia on enhancing its counterstrike capabilities by developing its ability to strike enemy missile launch sites. This may involve training in Australia for launching U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles that Japan plans to introduce into its Self-Defense Forces.
Attending the two-plus-two meeting were Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, along with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister/Defense Minister Richard Marles.