Japan and Australia sign “anti-China” agreement to boost defense in Indo-Pacific

Japan e Australia They signed an agreement aimed at strengthening relations in the defense field. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison He stated that the treaty would “contribute to regional stability,” with a clear reference to Beijing’s military and economic expansion in the Indo-Pacific region: China was not mentioned in the document.

Before the electronic summit held today with his Japanese counterpart Fumio KishidaMorrison described the agreement as “a declaration of the commitment of two countries to work together to face the common strategic security challenges we face and to contribute to achieving security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.” He added, “This historic treaty will provide for the first time – as he said – a clear framework for further joint action and cooperation between our two powers.” It is a partnership – he continued – that reflects “our shared values, our commitment to democracy and human rights, and our common interests in the world.” The Indo-Pacific is free, open and resilient“, he added.

Japan and Australia, along with the United States and India, are part of the group “Quad” Created with the purpose of containing Chinese expansion. Ali WayneA senior analyst at Eurasia Group said the treaty could lead Tokyo and Canberra to hold joint military exercises in Japan with the United States.