In a diplomatic development, which symbolically represents breaking the ideological barriers for Japan, it has announced that it is to sign a defence deal with Australia. This will be the first defence deal Japan has made with any country outside the US. It is expected to help stabilise the Asia-Pacific region which is currently amid deep pressures resulting from North Korea’s alleged nuclear ambitions and the recent growth of China’s military power.
The deal will be signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Australian PM John Howard. It includes co-operation on peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and disaster relief. The Japanese leader believes that this pathbreaking deal would go a long way to stabilise the entire Asia-Pacific region. Mr Abe told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio
For our two countries to co-operate promotes the development of the region, as well as contributing to peace and security in the world
Both Australia and Japan are described as important US allies. Both of them are also incidentally major players in Afghanistan at present, and also backed the US led war in Iraq last year. The treaty will not be a mutual defence treaty like the Japanese have with the Americans but Australian officials say it could lead to intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.
Via: BBC
