U.S., U.K. and Australia discuss AUKUS tech cooperation with Japan

Japan seen as potential contributor to 'advanced capability projects'

U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deliver remarks on the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) partnership, after a trilateral meeting at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, U.S., on March 13, 2023.

SHAUN TURTON, Nikkei staff writer

April 9, 2024 00:24 JST

Updated on April 9, 2024 01:40 JST

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.