Austin Meets With Japanese, Australian Counterparts to Advance Defense Ties

Meeting Held on Sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III met with his Japanese and Australian counterparts on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 10, 2023, to discuss ways to advance trilateral defense cooperation. The meeting focused on a range of issues, including the security challenges posed by China, North Korea, and Russia.

Trilateral Cooperation Key to Regional Security

In a joint statement, the three ministers reaffirmed their commitment to trilateral cooperation, which they said is "essential to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." They also agreed to work together to strengthen their defense capabilities and to cooperate on a range of security issues, including maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.

China's Growing Military Power a Concern

The ministers expressed concern about China's growing military power and its increasingly assertive behavior in the region. They called on China to be more transparent about its military activities and to遵守国际规范.

The ministers also discussed the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. They agreed to continue to work together to pressure North Korea to denuclearize.

The meeting between Austin, Kishi, and Marles was the latest in a series of high-level engagements between the three countries. In March, the three ministers met in Tokyo to discuss the security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.

The trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and Australia is a key element of the Biden administration's strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration has pledged to work with its allies and partners to promote security and stability in the region.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual security conference that brings together defense ministers and other senior security officials from around the world. The conference is held in Singapore and is one of the most important security forums in the Asia-Pacific region.