Australia, Britain, and the US say they are considering working with Japan through their AUKUS security pact, as the US President is set to meet with Japanese prime minister.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will meet US President Joe Biden at a summit this week, and the pair are expected to address Japan’s possible future in AUKUS “advanced capabilities” projects.
Britain, the US and Australia released a joint statement overnight which said they were considering cooperation with Japan.
AUKUS leaders Anthony Albanese, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak in San Diego in March last year.Credit: Getty
“Recognising Japan’s strengths and its close bilateral defence partnerships with all three countries, we are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects,” the government’s said.
The second pillar is focused on delivering advanced capabilities and sharing technologies across a range of areas including quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technology.
It said AUKUS members had long been clear on their intent to involve other countries in Pillar II, and that it would consider factors such as:
“Technological innovation, financing, industrial strengths, ability to adequately protect sensitive data and information, and impact on promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
AUKUS, formed by the three countries in 2021, is part of efforts to push back against China’s growing influence.
Its first stage, or “pillar,” is designed to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia. The statement did not propose Japan would be involved in this part of the pact.
China has called the AUKUS pact dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race.
Reuters
Source Agencies
