Japan, Australia ink deal to promote defence technology cooperation

Japan and Australia have reached a deal to simplify procedures for joint technical studies on defence equipment, with the aim of promoting bilateral cooperation amid China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles signed the memorandum at their meeting in Singapore on the margins of the three-day Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, according to Japan’s national daily The Manichi.

For Japan, it is the second such defence pact following one with the United States, according to the Japanese Defence Ministry.

Tokyo and Australia have been stepping up their security collaboration as the two US allies become more vigilant against Beijing's maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas and its growing military presence in the region.

In January last year, the Japanese and Australian leaders concluded a reciprocal access agreement to enable smoother and faster deployment of troops for joint training and disaster relief efforts.