The U.S. Marines will train with Australian and Japanese forces in northern Australia. This was announced by the defense ministers of all three countries on Sunday, as they voiced concern over a recent spate of clashes with China’s militaries.
Richard Marles, Australia’s acting prime minister, hosted U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen in Darwin for talks.
Exercise Talisman Sabre will kick off the trilateral amphibious exercise between Australia, Japan, and the U.S. Marine Rotational Force in Northern Australia in 2025. Next year, Australia will take part in the first-ever Exercise Orient Shield in Japan.
In a joint press release, they stated, “We recognize the crucial role played by the trilateral partnership in maintaining regional stability. We commit to trilateral coordination of policy and consult with each other regarding regional security issues and contingencies.”
The three ministers of defense reiterated in their statement “serious concerns” over destabilizing activities in the East and South China Seas, including “dangerous behavior” by the Chinese against Philippine vessels and other vessels of the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea.
They said, “It is important that all countries are free to exercise their rights and freedoms per international law”.
Ministers also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China has increased military drills and harassment around the island to increase its claim that Taiwan is its territory.
Marles, Australia’s defense minister, stated that after talks with his Japanese counterpart, in September, both nations were looking for ways to increase familiarity between their respective forces. He said that one of the “obvious” opportunities for Japan was to take part in the U.S. Marine Rotation in Australia.
He said, “Having the opportunity to train more with Japan and America together in a forward-looking manner is an amazing opportunity.”
Marles was asked if increased military cooperation would anger Beijing. He replied that the decision was made to build “the best possible relationships with like-minded countries, our friends, and our allies.”
