Australia and Japan launch Pacific digital plan, boost defense ties

Foreign and defense ministers meet amid 'serious concerns' over China

20240905 Australia Japan 2+2

Japanese ministers Minoru Kihara and Yoko Kamikawa, second and third from left in front row, pose for a photo on Sept. 5 next to their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi)

SHAUN TURTON, Nikkei staff writer

SYDNEY -- Australia and Japan will establish a Pacific digital infrastructure and cybersecurity initiative and expand their defense ties to include more joint training and air force exercises, the countries' defense and foreign ministers said on Thursday.

The announcements followed talks in the "two-plus-two" format held in Queenscliff, south of Melbourne, building on the nations' deepening ties in the face of concerns over what is seen as China's increasingly assertive stance in the region.

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