SYDNEY -- The defense chiefs of Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. are considering cooperation with Japan on Pillar II of the AUKUS security framework designed to counter China's rise, according to a new statement.
Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. formed the AUKUS pact in 2021, with Pillar I of the agreement centering on Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Pillar II concerns enhancing the partners' joint capabilities and interoperability through developing and sharing advanced defense technologies.
