Wong Urges Caution to Andrews Ahead of China Trip Following Japan Talks
TOKYO – foreign Minister Penny Wong has cautioned Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to consider national interests as he plans a trade delegation to China, following high-level security discussions in Japan focused on regional stability and the evolving strategic landscape.
Wong, alongside Defense Minister Richard marles, met with Japanese counterparts this week, reaffirming a deepening security partnership amid growing concerns about China’s assertiveness. Wong described the discussions as “an expression of the complex strategic landscape which we’ve now been articulating sence we came to government.”
The meetings occurred shortly after Australia announced a $10 billion deal to purchase Japanese-made Mogami-class frigates – Japan’s largest ever defence export deal. The contract, expected to be finalised early next year, will see the first three frigates built in Japan for rapid deployment, with the remaining eight constructed in Australia.
“There is a real intent on both sides to see those negotiations move forward quickly,” Marles stated. He emphasized the frigate selection was based on its suitability for the Australian navy, while simultaneously strengthening the Australia-Japan strategic alliance.
Wong stated Australia is responding to regional challenges by building closer ties with partners like Japan and “modernising and build[ing] our defence force.” She affirmed Australia’s commitment to “asserting the rules-based order, and secondly, making our contribution to the peace and stability of the region in which we live.”