What are the prospects for Australia and Japan to build closer defence and strategic cooperation? I would argue that the two countries should aim to build the strongest defence relationship they can. Since the 1950s, Canberra and Tokyo have emerged as extremely close partners with shared strategic outlooks. Popular sentiment in both countries is largely positive and business links are close. This creates a solid foundation for building a more comprehensive strategic relationship.
I suggest five areas where cooperation can be expanded. First, more should be done to expand maritime training and sophisticated exercising on anti-submarine warfare. Second, the Australian Army and Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force should look at opportunities for exercising, including in Australia’s vast northern training ranges. Third, defence industry cooperation should grow to include a range of common capabilities and sensor technologies, especially those related to maritime warfare. Japan may be surprised to learn that Australia has a lot to offer in defence technology – this won’t be a one way street in technology transfer. Fourth, Australia and Japan should make a concerted effort to lead regional thinking on HADR strategies. Last, we should emphasise joint peacekeeping training and activities in Africa and elsewhere.
Although Australia and Japan are close friends and will likely become closer still, it is important to say where the limits to cooperation may be felt. Canberra will be wary of approaches that look explicitly aimed at China. At the same time as defence engagement with Japan deepens, Australia will look to build meaningful ties with Beijing. Australia will not take diplomatic sides on maritime territorial disputes. We will also hope that Tokyo ceases whaling in the Southern Oceans in the interests of closer relations with the international community. In sum, prospects for closer bilateral ties are excellent. There is a natural fit between the Abbott and Abe governments which point to excellent opportunities for cooperation in coming years.
Peter Jennings is the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and a former Deputy Secretary for Strategy in the Australian Department of Defence. He is a frequent visitor to Japan and regularly writes on strategic issues at the blog site www.aspistrategist.org.au.
