Japanese Forces Join US Marine Rotations in Australia’s Top End in Response to Beijing’s Aggression

Japanese forces are set to join US marine rotations in Australia, fortifying ties between Australia, the United States, and Japan. Japanese troops will participate in US Marine rotations in the Northern Territory as part of deepening ties between the three countries in response to increasing aggression from Beijing in the Asia-Pacific region. Defense Minister Richard Marles hosted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani for a trilateral ministers’ meeting in Darwin, marking the first such meeting to be held in Australia. Discussions between Marles and Nakatani at the annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue diplomatic summit in September led to a consideration of increasing familiarity between their defense forces, with Japanese troops joining activities during the marine rotation being a key opportunity. The three nations also expressed a commitment to greater defense cooperation with the Philippines and India, as well as aiming to deepen defense ties with Pacific Island nations. The decision for Japanese forces to join US Marine rotations was made with the goal of building Australian capability and strengthening relationships with like-minded countries and allies.

Source link