AUKUS confirms that Japan could join its pact
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More news: A joint statement released by AUKUS members Australia, the US, and UK on Monday confirmed that the alliance is considering widening its collaboration under Pillar II with Japan. The statement reads: “Our objective remains to further the delivery of advanced military capabilities to our respective defence forces in support of regional stability and security; we are confident that engaging like-minded partners in the work of Pillar II will only strengthen this pursuit. 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.”
AUKUS in talks to add Japan to defence alliance: FT
The news: AUKUS, the US, UK and Australian defence alliance, is reportedly set to begin talks on expanding its membership, as the US pushes for Japan to be involved to deter Chinese expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
The context: The Financial Times reports that defence ministers will on Monday announce talks tied to the alliance’s Pillar II, which is related to collaboration on defence technology including undersea capabilities and hypersonic weapons.
On Friday last week, America's ambassador in Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel, told the Wall Street Journal that Japan was "about to become the first additional Pillar II partner" in AUKUS. While he didn’t specify when the official news would be released, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is visiting Washington this week to meet with US President Joe Biden.
AUKUS is not currently considering expanding Pillar I of the alliance which is tied to Australia’s plans to attain nuclear-powered submarines. Australia has reportedly been reluctant to encourage Japanese membership until existing complications in the alliance were resolved, specifically those related to finalising Pillar I.
An Australian government source told the ABC that Japan would collaborate on specific defence technology projects with the three countries under AUKUS, but would not necessarily join the partnership as a full member.
On Wednesday, The US and Japan are expected to announce that they are planning the biggest update to their security alliance since 1960.
The cost of AUKUS’ submarine program for Australia is estimated to be up to $368 billion over the next 30 years.
The source: Financial Times
