Japan, Australia Sign Defense Pact Enabling Joint Measures During ‘Contingencies’
Japan and Australia have signed a joint security pact allowing them to consult on “contingencies” that threaten their national security interests amid growing concerns over China–Taiwan tensions.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, signed a joint declaration (pdf) in Perth on Saturday, which is an updated version of a declaration signed between their predecessors in 2007.
“Japan regards Australia as a special strategic partner that forms the core within the cooperation by the like-minded countries of Japan, Australia, India, and the United States,” Kishida said in a statement a day before the meeting.
The latest joint declaration states the two nations “will consult with each other on contingencies” that threaten their sovereignty and regional security interests, and “consider measures in response.”…