Australia and Japan security ties – an accelerating partnership

This paper examines the accelerating security ties between Australia and Japan, particularly over the past decade. It contends that for Australia, the impetus to strengthen security ties with Japan is largely driven by concern to shape an acceptable rules-based order. It argues that changes to Japan's security posture have been driven by the rise of China, and that the changing balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region, brought about by China's rise, is assessed by both Japan and Australia as a strategic challenge.

The paper addresses the concerns that closer security relations with Japan are incompatible with a productive relationship between Australia and China, arguing that such concerns are exaggerated or indeed unfounded. It concludes that with convergent interests and an impressive record of working together, it is in Australia's strong interest to continue to strengthen its security relationship with Japan over the coming decade.

This paper was also published in the Indo-Pacific Strategic Digest series.

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