Japan Advocates โขfor 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 toโ Suzuki,a “stronger Japanese presence in Australia not only enhanced Australia’s โdeterrence” but also “reinforces Japan’s โขstrategicโข resilience,thereby strengthening our jointโ deterrence.”
Suzuki emphasized the importance ofโค “multi-layered cooperation among democracies,” highlighting existingโ 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 โคpolicy under a โฃsecond Donald Trump presidency and existing trade tensions โbetween new Delhiโค and Washington, Suzuki asserted that strengthening the grouping remains “essential.” He underscored india’s significance โas “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 alsoโข addressed โenergy policy, offering praise for the albaneseโ government’s decision โto extend the operation of the North West Shelf gas project and maintain gas exports. Japan is a significant export market forโฃ Australian gas, and Suzuki stated that Habitat Minister Murray Watt’s decision had “reassured manyโค investors” โand signaled aโค “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 โAsia โZero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, positioning it as a facilitator of “various pathways” โคto net zero for Southeast Asian nations.
However, these โคcommentsโ regarding gas are likely to face criticism from environmental groups. Research suggests Tokyo resells approximately โ30 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 theโ Western Australian government warned of “ample risks” that the state’sโ natural gas could “crowd out investments in renewable technologies or delay the broader adoption of zeroโ emission energy systems.” Furthermore, โclimate groups have raised concerns โabout the climate credentials of AZEC, citing that around 30 percent ofโ its deals still โคincorporate fossil โขfuel technologies.
