Japan and Australia to ink joint-drill pact in Indo-Pacific push

'Quad' members to agree on new framework next week

An aeromedical evacuation team of the Australian and U.S. air forces rushes to transfer patients with simulated injuries during Exercise Cope North at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force also attended the drill. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force)

TAKUYA MIZOROGI, Nikkei staff writer

November 13, 2020 03:49 JST

TOKYO -- Japan and Australia are set to sign a broad agreement facilitating joint military exercises in a bid to strengthen the broader "Quad" partnership and project a show of unity against Chinese maritime expansionism.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss the framework when Morrison visits Japan next Tuesday, Nikkei has learned.