Outgoing Australian Envoy Calls for Deeper Security Ties with Japan

By Yuka Moriyama Tokyo, Dec. 8 (Jiji Press)–Justin Hayhurst, the outgoing Australian ambassador to Japan, on Monday stressed the importance of continued efforts to deepen defense and security cooperation between the two nations. At the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, he said that the bilateral partnership is evolving with “greater substance,” especially in the defense and security sectors. Recent examples of the expanded ties include the Australian navy’s plan to introduce an upgraded version of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Mogami-class frigate, Japan’s first test of its Type-12 surface-to-ship missile in Australia, and the “Bushido Guardian” joint exercise in Japan, which was joined by the U.S. Air Force for the first time. Quoting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who described the two countries as “architects” of an open and stable Indo-Pacific region, Hayhurst emphasized their responsibility to make the region a safer place. On a potential Taiwan contingency, he said, “We are working with Japan to assert international rules and protect stability in the region.” He added that the shared task of the two countries, alongside the United States and others, is to prevent conflicts and maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific region. With next year marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, he expressed confidence that his successor, Andrew Shearer, and the embassy staff will remain actively engaged in strengthening a “bipartisan, long-term, serious strategic commitment” between the two nations. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]