Australia, Britain and the United States said on Tuesday they were “considering cooperating” with Japan on the AUKUS security pact, setting the scene as the US president prepares to meet his Japanese counterpart.
In a statement, AUKUS partners said Japan’s “strengths” and close “partnerships” with the countries involved meant it was an obvious ally in the project, which is aimed at checking China’s rising military power.
“Since the inception of AUKUS, our nations have been clear in our intent to engage others in Pillar II projects,” the statement said.
AUKUS was established in 2021 and has two main practical goals: Pillar I aims to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines.
Pillar II focuses on developing advanced warfighting capabilities such as artificial intelligence, undersea drones and hypersonic missiles.
Tuesday’s statement said in seeking future opportunities, the group would consider technological innovation, financing, industrial strengths, and the ability to adequately protect sensitive data and information.
There have previously been concerns in Washington about Japan’s ability to protect and handle sensitive intelligence.
