(Press release)
November 3, 2025
Ministry of Defense
On November 2, Defense Minister Koizumi, visiting Malaysia to attend the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), held a Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia the Hon Richard Marles MP.
The Ministers noted that Australia’s selection of the upgraded Mogami-class frigate as Australia’s preferred platform for the general-purpose frigates was a major step forward in elevating Japan-Australia defense cooperation, and confirmed that both countries will continue working together toward concluding the contract.
The Ministers also exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific and, in particular, shared serious concern regarding China’s activities in the South China Sea.
Moreover, the Ministers committed to demonstrating their leadership to expand cooperation across all areas and strengthen the collective deterrence of Japan and Australia, and to coordinating to enhance trilateral cooperation with the United States, a common ally.
In addition, the Ministers confirmed to hold another Japan-Australia defense ministerial meeting and Japan-Australia-U.S. trilateral meeting at an early date, and engaged in proactive discussions on the role of two countries to be fulfilled as a core in partnership such as Japan-Australia-U.S.-Philippines.
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