Are you choosing to side with China Jack ?

Japanese jets fly to Darwin as security ties ramp up

Andrew Tillett

Defence correspondent

Deployments of Japanese F-35 fighter jets to northern Australia will be ramped up as part of a deepening of security ties between the two countries, while Anthony Albanese prepares to join Quad leaders for a summit in the US later this month.

Ahead of talks with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles in regional Victoria today, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said the two countries would write a new chapter in their security co-operation amid rising tensions with China.

‘‘We are at a turning point in history. The peaceful and stable international environment faces serious threats, including unilateral attempts to change the status quo through the use of force and coercion,’’ Ms Kamikawa will write in an opinion piece for The Australian Financial Review.

‘‘Given the current international situation, now is the time to continue to further strengthen the already resolute security co-operation between Japan and Australia.’’

China’s military and coast guard recently have stepped up aggressive actions across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and East China Sea.

These include increasing the number of Chinese ships, drones and aircraft making incursions into Taiwan’s waters and airspace, and ramming Philippine vessels over disputed maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Late last month, Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest after a Chinese spy plane allegedly breached its airspace for the first time near the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea.

Shared concern by Australia and Japan over Chinese aggression prompted the signing of a landmark defence pact that came into force last year, making it easier for each country’s military to operate in the other nation.

At today’s 2+2 talks, ministers are expected to expand the rotation of Japanese F-35 fighter jets for temporary basing in Australia, including joint exercises alongside US Marines in Darwin. Two Japanese jets were dispatched to Australia a year ago to test the viability of deployments.