Australia, Japan expand economic, defence relationship

Sydney (4 May)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have signed a range of joint statements about defence production, economic security, and cybersecurity issues, following meetings in Canberra.

Australia and Japan have committed to maintaining open trade flows of essential goods, including refined oils and gas, Albanese said at a press conference.

“We affirmed that Japan and Australia will closely communicate with each other in responding with a sense of urgency,” Takaichi said.

The pledge will help secure fuel supplies for both countries and shield consumers from uncertainty, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a statement.

Japanese producers supplied Australia with 4.3% of its refined petroleum imports in 2024, while Australian producers supplied Japan with 40% of its liquefied natural gas imports. Japanese oil and gas producer Inpex – which is partly state-owned – is an investor in three Australian LNG projects and two oil projects.

The two countries will also collaborate on quantum computing-driven artificial intelligence and biotechnology development, critical mineral projects, cybersecurity issues, and defense procurement, according to the statements.

Australia and Japan’s defence initiatives include defence co-production and joint asset maintenance, advanced weapons testing, and training.

The Australian Navy agreed to buy three Mogami-class frigates from Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi on 18 February. The company will deliver the vessels from 2029, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said in a joint statement.

Mitsubishi will build the three frigates in Japan, Conroy said. But it will produce future Mogami-class vessels at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, Conroy and Marles said.

By Avinash Govind