Darwin, Australia, Nov 17 (EFE).– The defense ministers of the United States, Australia, and Japan on Sunday pledged to deepen trilateral security cooperation, announcing annual joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific starting in 2025 and a new advisory body to align their strategic goals.
“Today, we are announcing that there will be regular deployments of Japan’s amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to Australia,» Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said at a joint televised press conference in Darwin, alongside US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.
“We continue to enhance our cooperation in intelligence and surveillance across the Indo-Pacific,” Marles said.
Nakatani highlighted the importance of practical frameworks, adding that the allies aimed to modernize the defense cooperation of Japan, the US, and Australia under an actionable framework.
Although China was not explicitly mentioned during the press conference, a joint statement expressed “serious concern about destabilising actions in the East and South China Seas, including dangerous conduct by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against Philippines and other coastal state vessels.”
Beijing disputes territories in these strategic waters, vital for global trade and rich in resources, with Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei. These disputes have led to frequent, albeit minor, clashes between Chinese vessels and those of neighboring countries.
“We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. It is important that all states are free to exercise rights and freedoms consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea,” the statement said.
Marles also pointed to India’s growing role as part of the Quad alliance, which includes the United States, Japan, and Australia. In September, the Quad announced its first joint coast guard exercises, reflecting deepening collaboration.
Regarding the AUKUS alliance between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, Austin sought to reassure concerns about potential delays in the delivery of Virginia-class nuclear submarines to Australia in the 2030s.
“I am confident we will meet delivery expectations,” Austin said, with Marles echoing his confidence.
Austin acknowledged challenges in the industrial base, but said they were investing to accelerate production.
The US defence chief also addressed broader concerns over defense commitments in the region.
“We are focused on a smooth and effective transition with the next administration. I am proud of what we have accomplished in strengthening alliances in this region.”
The trilateral partnership is widely viewed as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. EFE
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