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This treaty is seen as another key step in strengthening ties between Canberra and Tokyo in the face of China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit to the United States on September 22, 2021.
AFP
Japan and Australia on Thursday signed a treaty called “historic” to strengthen their defense cooperation, saying the deal will contribute to regional stability as China expands its military and economic influence.
Although Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not mention Beijing in a statement released before the signing, the treaty is seen as another key step in strengthening ties between Canberra and Tokyo in the face of China’s ambitions in the region. indo-pacific.
Ahead of an online summit with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on Thursday, Scott Morrison called the agreement “an affirmation of the two nations’ commitment to work together to address the common strategic security challenges we face and to contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific ”.
“This historic treaty (…) will for the first time provide a clear framework for increased interoperability and cooperation between our two forces,” said Scott Morrison. The partnership reflects “our common values, our commitment to democracy and human rights, and our common interests in a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific,” he added.
Two members of the “Quad”
Japan and Australia are already part with the United States and India of an informal group called “Quad”, which has endeavored in recent years to build an alliance in the face of threats posed by China, according to them, on the vital sea lanes in the Pacific.
Asked about the Japan-Australia treaty, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday that “state-to-state exchanges and cooperation should be conducive to strengthening understanding and confidence. mutual funds between the countries of the region (…), rather than targeting or undermining the interests of a third party. We hope that the Pacific will be an ocean of peace, not a place to make waves ”.
Ali Wyne, analyst at Eurasia Group, said the treaty could strengthen the ability of Tokyo and Canberra to conduct joint military exercises in Japan with the United States. “China will likely see this as further proof that advanced industrial democracies seek to hinder its resurgence,” he told AFP.
Last September, the United States, United Kingdom and Australia announced the formation of a new alliance – “Aukus” – under which Australia decided to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. using American technology. France reacted very negatively to this announcement which had resulted in Australia abandoning a mega-contract for French submarines.
(AFP)