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Japan-Australia defence deal more than a bilateral pact
The Reciprocal Access Agreement marks a major milestone in Japan’s strategy to diversify security partners in the face of a deteriorating security situation. Now Tokyo needs to find more partners.
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Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison showing their signed documents on Jan 6, 2022.
PHOTO: REUTERS
James D.J. Brown
Earlier this month, Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Australia. This is a major achievement for both countries. Yet, if Japan is to succeed in improving its precarious security situation, this agreement must become just one milestone in a much longer journey.
It was easy to miss the significance of the RAA that was signed between Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on Jan 6.
