Japan and Australia Strengthen Military Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

New agreements include enhanced joint exercises and support for the Philippine coastguard against Chinese assertiveness.

Japan and Australia commit to more complex joint military exercises and closer coordination with the U.S.
The countries' foreign and defense ministers express shared concerns over China's territorial actions.
Next year, Australia will join Japan in the Orient Shield exercise for the first time.
Japan and Australia plan to involve the Japanese Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in U.S. Marine rotations in Darwin.
Both nations pledge support for the Philippine coastguard amidst escalating disputes with China in the South China Sea