David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Strengthening the Australia-Japan-United States trilateral defence cooperation is a significant and major priority for Australia. The Australian government seeks positive and proactive defence relations with the United States and Japan based on a common set of democratic values and similar strategic perspectives. Practical cooperation through exercises is a central part of our trilateral defence relationship, the benefits of which were demonstrated in the response to the great east Japan earthquake in 2011. Strong practical cooperation prior to the disaster made this cooperation possible and we were able to work together to provide rapid humanitarian and disaster relief assistance at very short notice. Australia is seeking to conduct more advanced trilateral exercises with a focus on improving each country's ability to enhance maritime security through air, land and maritime cooperation. This trilateral relationship offers a stabilising regional presence that builds confidence and promotes freedom of navigation and maritime security in the regions and sea lanes. (Time expired)