GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Japan and Australia Set the Stage for a Security Alliance Independent of the U.S.

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Matthew Edwin Carpenter
Board of Contributors

Jul 18, 2019 | 14:44 GMT

A Japanese honor guard welcomes the Australian defense minister during a visit in August 2016.

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 25: Guard of honor are seen during a welcoming ceremony held for Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne (not seen) at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan on August 25, 2016. Marise Payne meets Tomomi Inada to discuss military cooperation between Australia and Japan. 

(DAVID MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Highlights

  • Japan and Australia laid the groundwork for a security relationship years ago, but recent geopolitical currents are prompting them to build it out.
  • The countries would act as cornerstones in a future regional security alliance that could include European and Asian partners, but not depend on U.S. support.
  • Concerns about the direction of U.S. foreign policy in the region is catalyzing action on a tighter defense partnership.

Despite their locations on opposite ends of the Pacific, Australia and Japan share many concerns: the safety of their shipping via sea lanes, the increased pressure put on them by China's rise in power and a complicated alliance with the United States. As Washington's reliability and effectiveness as an ally diminish, it's logical that a more robust relationship between Australia and Japan would extend beyond the economic realm into the security sphere. To that end, Australia and Japan have been working to develop a security structure independent of their alliance with the United States intended to eventually bring in additional allies, both Asian and European....

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