Opinion | Is Japan joining Aukus? Not just yet – but it has a keen interest in its success
- Japan was an early supporter of Aukus, viewing it as a positive step for regional security that would counterbalance China’s heavy-handed influence
- But getting more involved in is a delicate balancing act, given Japan’s historical reticence towards militarisation and history of leaning on the US
What role could Japan possibly play in the alliance? And what are the potential complications?
It is not surprising, then, that Japan has doubled down on its alliance with the US and security ties with other like-minded nations. It was an early supporter of Aukus, viewing the alliance as a positive step for regional security that would counterbalance China’s heavy-handed influence.
For some time now, Japan was talked about as a potential fourth partner in the agreement. While the US, UK and Australia have all said they are interested in working with Japan, however, a formal invitation to become a so-called “Pillar I” partner is not likely any time soon.
The Pillar I level of the partnership involves the US transferring nuclear submarine propulsion technology to Australia. In the meantime, the US will operate a rotational submarine force in Western Australia, until Australia is supplied with refurbished, second-hand US Navy Virgina-class submarines, expected in the mid-2030s.