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Japan, Australia discuss closer military ties and submarine deal in Tokyo talks

Defence ministers stress 'special relationship' between Japan and Australia while agreeing to increase links and discuss submarine technology deal

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This file photo shows Australia's first high-tech Collins-class submarine being lowered into the water at Port Adelaide. Photo: AFP

Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they have stepped up their defence ties and moved toward a possible future submarine deal, as assertive China stirs tension in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera met with Julie Bishop and David Johnston, their respective opposite numbers, for the fifth round of so-called “2+2” talks in Tokyo.

The Japanese said the two sides reached a broad agreement on a legal framework to allow the two nations to conduct joint research and trade in defence equipment.

“We reached a conclusion on negotiations for an agreement on co-operation in the field of defence equipment and technology,” Onodera said in a joint press conference.

He said details of the pact still needed to be ironed out.

But Bishop stressed that Japan and Australia are “natural partners” who are developing their “strong relationship” into a “special relationship”.

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