Japan, Australia defense ministers exchange visits in short time, paving way for PM Takaichi's visit to Australia
Defense chiefs from Japan and Australia have exchanged visits to lay the groundwork for PM Sanae Takaichi's upcoming trip to Australia, highlighting their 'quasi-alliance' and cooperation on the Mogami-class frigates.
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- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 12:44
- 🔍 Collected: April 9, 2026 at 13:00 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 08:43 (259h 43m after Collected)
"Asahi Shimbun" reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is coordinating to visit countries like Australia and Vietnam during the long holiday later this month, and Richard Marles's current trip to Japan intends to pave the way for Takaichi's subsequent visit.
In a joint press conference, Koizumi emphasized, "As global attention focuses on the Middle East, we cannot allow gaps to appear in the security of the Indo-Pacific region." Marles mentioned North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile that day, stating, "It is very important for Indo-Pacific countries to continue to pay attention to the challenges facing the region."
The meeting highlighted the "quasi-alliance" cooperation between Japan and Australia.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's latest "Mogami-class" frigate (FFM) also participated in the Australian Navy's biennial large-scale exercise "Exercise Kakadu" in March this year, as well as an international fleet review. Marles stated, "The exercises between our two countries have shown unprecedented breadth and depth."
The Australian government has decided to procure 11 "upgraded" Mogami-class frigates. Koizumi also plans to visit Melbourne, Australia in mid-this month to discuss related issues.
The Mogami-class frigate is an advanced stealth frigate equipped with a variety of powerful weapons. Marles has said that the Mogami-class frigate will replace Australia's aging Anzac-class frigate fleet, with the first new ship expected to be officially commissioned in 2030.
Regarding the mutual visits by the two defense chiefs in a short period of time, a Defense Ministry official said, "This is an unprecedented pace."
Before the meeting between Marles and Koizumi, he first went to the Prime Minister's Official Residence to meet with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. Japanese government sources pointed out that this is intended to pave the way for Takaichi's subsequent visit.
In a joint press conference, Koizumi emphasized, "As global attention focuses on the Middle East, we cannot allow gaps to appear in the security of the Indo-Pacific region." Marles mentioned North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile that day, stating, "It is very important for Indo-Pacific countries to continue to pay attention to the challenges facing the region."
The meeting highlighted the "quasi-alliance" cooperation between Japan and Australia.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's latest "Mogami-class" frigate (FFM) also participated in the Australian Navy's biennial large-scale exercise "Exercise Kakadu" in March this year, as well as an international fleet review. Marles stated, "The exercises between our two countries have shown unprecedented breadth and depth."
The Australian government has decided to procure 11 "upgraded" Mogami-class frigates. Koizumi also plans to visit Melbourne, Australia in mid-this month to discuss related issues.
The Mogami-class frigate is an advanced stealth frigate equipped with a variety of powerful weapons. Marles has said that the Mogami-class frigate will replace Australia's aging Anzac-class frigate fleet, with the first new ship expected to be officially commissioned in 2030.
Regarding the mutual visits by the two defense chiefs in a short period of time, a Defense Ministry official said, "This is an unprecedented pace."
Before the meeting between Marles and Koizumi, he first went to the Prime Minister's Official Residence to meet with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. Japanese government sources pointed out that this is intended to pave the way for Takaichi's subsequent visit.