China said further cooperation between Japan and Australia announced by its ministers should not harm third countries, Thursday (5/9).
The comments come following a meeting between Japanese and Australian officials in which ministers agreed to step up joint military exercises as their governments share concerns about China's incursions into Japanese airspace and territorial waters.
“China has always believed that defense and security cooperation among countries should be conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability and enhancing mutual trust among regional countries,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kahara met at a summit with their Australian counterparts, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Maries in Queenscliff, Australia, Thursday (5/9).
Next year Australia will take part for the first time in Orient Shield, the largest annual exercise involving the US military and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Australia and Japan also plan to involve the Japanese Fast Amphibious Brigade, a marine unit of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, in the annual training rotation of the US Marines in Darwin, Australia.
China's increasingly aggressive activities around Japanese waters and airspace have raised concerns among Japanese defense officials who are also concerned about growing cooperation between the Chinese and Russian air forces. (jm/ab)
