Is it in Australia's interests to strengthen security relations with Japan?

This paper considers whether it is in Australia's interests to continue to strengthen security relations with Japan in the context of Japan's problematic relations with China. It contends that the state of Japan-China relations matters to Australia because the lack of strategic trust between the second and third largest economies in the world creates risks for Australia's security and prosperity.

The paper argues that Australia should continue to strengthen its strategic relationship with Japan, and that the resultant risks to Australia's relations with China are minimal and manageable over the next decade. It rejects the contention that Australia may need to choose between a stronger partnership with Japan and its growing relationship with China. It concludes that the principal challenge for Australia will be in maintaining freedom of policy manoeuvre, while helping advocate to Japan and China that their mutual security interests are better served by improving their bilateral relations.

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