In recent days Japan’s Defense Ministers Yoko Kamikawa and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara have been meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles in the an Australian coastal town named Queenscliff. They have been discussing greater security corporations and working closely together in the future. This is due to the growing tension between the countries bordering the South China Sea. The ministers have discussed specifically joining two air forces to work on stealth missions. Australia has also stated they will be joining the Orient Shield, a massive field training with the US Army and Japan Ground Self Defense Force.
The Chinese government has also spoken out about the joining forces. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has stated that the agreement is seen as a necessity to keep the peace but should not involve other parties.
The union of these two military powers signifies the endorsement of weaponry and power. This has importance because there is growing tension between Japan and China because of the South China Sea. If a battle were to break out between Japan and China, Australia would be coming to Japan as aid. This may also build more tension because now countries are preparing for possible war.
Australia and Japan are in good gracias and peace is instilled between the countries. They also have a common concern which is China’s growing advances into the South China Sea. China has been open about their dislike for the union because it shows how there is more than just one country they will have to stand against while trying to gain control of the South China Sea. The US is also involved but more on the sidelines. They seem to just be helping with military training which is a tactical move.
As a class we have briefly discussed the possibility of China gaining more power. One of our points to thinking they wouldn’t gain power was their military. In recent weeks China has been pushing for the world to know that they do have a good navy and air forces. Japan and Australia joining forces put a stick in China trying that because with them working together makes them a bigger threat.