SYDNEY: Japan expresses interest in exploring cooperation with the United States, Australia, and Britain on advanced military technology, signaling potential involvement in the AUKUS security partnership.
An official from Japan’s embassy in Australia affirmed support for AUKUS efforts in the Indo-Pacific region and emphasized Japan’s intent to deepen cooperation.
The embassy highlighted Japan’s awareness of discussions among AUKUS partners on various issues, including Artificial Intelligence and underwater capabilities. Japan sees the possibility of technical cooperation in advanced capabilities and aims to strengthen collaboration with key defense and security partners to realize a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific.’
AUKUS, established in 2021, focuses on two main goals: providing Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines (Pillar I) and developing advanced warfighting capabilities like AI, undersea drones, and hypersonic and electronic warfare technologies (Pillar II).
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s upcoming visit to Washington may involve announcements regarding Japan’s participation in the security partnership, according to reports. Additionally, a UK House of Commons briefing suggested Japan, along with New Zealand and South Korea, as ideal candidates for cooperation on Pillar II.
Australian officials briefed New Zealand counterparts about Pillar II, clarifying it as a background briefing for informational purposes without addressing New Zealand’s potential involvement. Japan’s potential collaboration underscores the evolving dynamics of security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
