(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
May 30, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On 30 May 2026, Defense Minister Koizumi, visiting Singapore to attend the 23rd IISS Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue), held the inaugural trilateral defense ministers’ meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister of Defence of New Zealand, the Hon Chris Penk.
The Ministers exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed their intention to cooperate trilaterally toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
The Ministers also affirmed their common commitment to Pacific peace and security under the leadership of the Pacific Islands Forum. Ministers welcomed the discussions held at the 2026 Japan-Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) and the 2025 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). The Ministers agreed to deepen discussions on their cooperation in the Pacific.
Furthermore, the Ministers welcomed the visit of the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano to Australia and New Zealand, where it conducted activities to enhance cooperation with both navies, including joint exercises. Minister Koizumi expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Penk for boarding JS Kumano during its port visits. The Ministers confirmed their commitment to further enhancing interoperability among Japan, Australia, and New Zealand through continued joint training and exercises. The Ministers concurred that collaboration between the three countries is beneficial from the perspective of strengthening regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
In addition, Minister Koizumi welcomed the announcement by the Government of New Zealand that the upgraded Mogami-class frigate has been announced as one of the candidates for the replacement of its Anzac-class frigates. Minister Penk explained that New Zealand’s consideration of a replacement frigate is in the early phases and advice on a preferred ship is expected to be provided to the New Zealand Cabinet before the end of 2027. Minister Koizumi conveyed that, if New Zealand selects the upgraded Mogami-class frigate, it could contribute to enhancing interoperability and interchangeability among the three countries.
Japan–Australia–New Zealand Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting (Breakfast Meeting).pdf