Australia and Japan vow enhanced security cooperation to counter China at ‘deeply symbolic’ meeting

Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese prime minister to lay a wreath at an Australian memorial, in a show of remorse for his country’s role in the second world war

Japan

Associated Press

Published: 10:13pm, 16 Nov 2018

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Shinzo Abe became the first prime minister of Japan to visit Darwin since the northern Australian city was bombed by Japanese forces in World War II, as he and his Australian counterpart spoke Friday of strengthening defence and other ties between their countries.

Abe’s one-night stay was described by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a deeply symbolic one. It was also another chance for Japan and Australia to present a united front as regional partners in the Asia-Pacific amid continuing concerns about expanding Chinese influence, including the country’s construction of islands in the disputed South China Sea.

Abe and Morrison exchanged national rugby jerseys after their talks. Photo: AP

“Australia and Japan also stand united on the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea, peacefully and in accordance with international law, and we are strongly opposed to any actions that could increase tensions within the region,” Morrison said, reading from a statement after meeting Abe.

He added that a “stable and secure regional maritime … order is central to both Australia and Japan’s visions for the region, and is underpinned by respect for international law.”

Morrison said he looked forward to increased cooperation with Japan to support regional maritime safety and security. The leaders said they hope to conclude an agreement early next year on increased defence links, including more joint military exercises.

The two leaders discussed Beijing’s controversial island-building programme in the South China Sea. Photo: AP

Abe said Japan and Australia would promote cooperation to strengthen the rule of law at sea. The two leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in providing help for maritime security-related projects in Southeast Asian and Pacific island nations.

They reiterated their commitment to the denuclearisation of North Korea, while Abe also praised Australia’s role in a revamped Pacific Rim free-trade agreement that comes into effect later this year. The United States abruptly withdrew from the original agreement in January 2017 and President Donald Trump has pushed for bilateral deals to fix what he calls unfair trade.

“Darwin, connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans, is a crucial place for the stability and prosperity of the whole of the Indo-Pacific,” Abe said. “It is at this very place where Prime Minister Morrison and I confirmed our commitment to further deepen this special strategic partnership between Japan and Australia, in pursuit of our common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Abe and Morrison laid wreaths at the Darwin Cenotaph war memorial. Photo: AP

Abe arrived for his visit on Friday afternoon and immediately went to lay a wreath with Morrison at the city’s main war memorial. Abe then stood solemnly with head bowed as an army bugler played “The Last Post”.

The visit continues Abe’s moves to show remorse for Japan’s role in the war, following his trip to Pearl Harbour in 2016.

“Darwin was once the place where the former Japanese forces conducted their first air bombing against Australia, leading to much sacrifice,” Abe said. “At the war memorial, I extended my condolences in honour of all the foreign soldiers, and renewed my vow towards peace.”

On Saturday, Abe will honour his country’s war dead, visiting the memorial of the 80-crew Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off Darwin in January 1942.

Pearl Harbour visit shows Japan’s Abe has eyes trained on China and pacifist rethink

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