In a pivotal moment for Indo-Pacific security, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin convened with the defense chiefs from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines in Hawaii to reinforce a collective stance in support of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The strategic dialogue, held on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Command change of command ceremony, underscored the urgency of increased military cooperation among the participating nations. Austin articulated that this collaboration would “pursue coordinated security assistance to the Philippines that will boost interoperability and help the Philippines achieve its defense modernization goals.” The concerted actions taken by these defense leaders aim to fortify their joint military capabilities and resistance against any force attempting to alter the status quo in the region by coercion.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that discussions focused on amplifying the frequency of defense exercises, leveraging existing reciprocal access and forces agreements among the nations. The significance of Japan’s ongoing negotiations with the Philippines on an RAA was highlighted by Japan Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, who pointed out the anticipated benefits for bilateral military exercises and their contribution to broader cooperation.
Philippines Secretary Of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the importance of a shared respect for a rules-based international order, stating that “four countries, four independent countries, voicing the same message means an important thing in the face of a unilateral declaration by a single theater actor.”
The joint statement further called on pledged support for states exercising their maritime rights. The release from the Pentagon condemned North Korea’s collaboration with Russia, including missile exports and procurement in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Going forward, the U.S., Japan, and Australia plan to conduct a series of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training exercises, including Exercise Cope North 2025, Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025, and Exercise Pitch Black 2026. Additionally, they will collaborate on a trilateral Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Projects Arrangement, enhancing defense ties through advanced technology cooperation.
The three countries also will continue increasing the frequency and complexity of high-end trilateral exercises in northern Australia, such as Exercise Southern Jackaroo, and the U.S. armed forces, Australian Defence Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces will conduct an inaugural regional air and missile defense live fire exercise in 2027 at Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia.
Relevant articles:
– SECDEF Austin Meets with Defense Chiefs from Australia, Japan and the Philippines, USNI, 05/04/2024
– US defense secretary meeting with Pacific allies in Hawaii, Voice of America – VOA News, 05/03/2024
– China’s Fear Of ‘Asian NATO’ Close To Reality? US Gathers Key Players In Indo-Pacific To Check Hostile Beijing, EurAsian Times, 05/04/2024
– PH, Japan, US, Aussie defense chiefs call out Chinese actions in SCS, pna.gov.ph, 05/04/2024