On November 17, 2024, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles hosted U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Japanese Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani in Darwin for a trilateral meeting, marking the first such gathering in Australia. The leaders committed to enhancing security cooperation through the establishment of trilateral defense consultations and joint amphibious military exercises.
Marles emphasized the critical role of the trilateral partnership for regional stability, stating, "We continue to enhance our cooperation in intelligence and surveillance in the Indo-Pacific region as a priority." Nakatani highlighted the importance of the consultative body, expressing the desire for an updated framework for defense cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and Australia.
Under the new agreement, Japan's Rapid Deployment Amphibious Brigade, an elite maritime unit, will be deployed to Darwin for joint training with Australian and U.S. forces. Marles described this as a significant statement of commitment from the three nations to work together. Recently, Australia announced a purchase of over $4 billion in missiles from the U.S.
Austin noted that the alliance would increase "surveillance and reconnaissance activities" among the three countries, which would support their goals for a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific region. He expressed pride in the Pentagon's work to strengthen alliances in the area and collaborate with nations that share a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
China continues to have territorial and maritime disputes with several Southeast Asian nations, particularly over the South China Sea. A joint statement reiterated their firm opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. Marles also referenced India, a member of the Quad alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, announcing that the four nations are working more closely than ever, including plans for joint coast guard exercises announced in September.
Australia has been strengthening ties with the U.S. to counter China's influence. In addition to developing its naval fleet, Australia plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS trilateral security pact with the U.S. and the U.K. Despite uncertainties regarding the future of the agreement following Donald Trump's election in the U.S., Australian officials expressed confidence that the pact will remain intact.