Japan Advocates for Enhanced Security Ties with Australia and US,Praises Gas Project Extension
Japanese Ambassador to Australia,Shingo Suzuki,has publicly advocated for a strengthened security partnership between Japan,Australia,and the United States,framing it as mutually beneficial for regional deterrence and stability. According to Suzuki,a “stronger Japanese presence in Australia not only enhanced Australia’s deterrence” but also “reinforces Japan’s strategic resilience,thereby strengthening our joint deterrence.”
Suzuki emphasized the importance of “multi-layered cooperation among democracies,” highlighting existing frameworks like the Quad (comprising Japan,Australia,India,and the US) and the Japan-Australia-US-Philippines group. He noted increased joint exercises within these groups, particularly in the South China Sea.
Acknowledging concerns surrounding the Quad’s future given potential shifts in US policy under a second Donald Trump presidency and existing trade tensions between new Delhi and Washington, Suzuki asserted that strengthening the grouping remains “essential.” He underscored india’s significance as “the world’s most populous country” and a “maritime democracy serving as the other center of the confluence of two seas.”
Beyond security, Ambassador Suzuki also addressed energy policy, offering praise for the albanese government’s decision to extend the operation of the North West Shelf gas project and maintain gas exports. Japan is a significant export market for Australian gas, and Suzuki stated that Habitat Minister Murray Watt’s decision had “reassured many investors” and signaled a “strong positive” outlook.
He affirmed a shared perspective between Australia and Japan that gas will continue to play a vital role in the energy transition, “keeping the electricity on, keeping houses warm, and keeping industry running, all while reducing emissions as we move toward net zero.” Suzuki also championed Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, positioning it as a facilitator of “various pathways” to net zero for Southeast Asian nations.
However, these comments regarding gas are likely to face criticism from environmental groups. Research suggests Tokyo resells approximately 30 percent of the Australian gas it imports to other Asian countries, possibly hindering the adoption of renewable energy sources in the region. A recently revealed, secret report commissioned by the Western Australian government warned of “ample risks” that the state’s natural gas could “crowd out investments in renewable technologies or delay the broader adoption of zero emission energy systems.” Furthermore, climate groups have raised concerns about the climate credentials of AZEC, citing that around 30 percent of its deals still incorporate fossil fuel technologies.
