China Condemns Japan-Australia Military Cooperation as "Violent Interference in Internal Affairs"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] China strongly opposed the agreement signed on the 6th between Japan and Australia for military cooperation, calling it "reckless interference in internal affairs."

Immediately after the joint statement was released by the two countries, the Chinese Embassy in Japan issued a statement saying, "The leaders of Japan and Australia unjustifiably criticized China, repeated outdated claims, and recklessly interfered in China's internal affairs," adding, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition."

Regarding references to the East China Sea and the South China Sea, China asserted, "China's position is clear and consistent. China will effectively control conflicts in the South China Sea through dialogue with the parties involved and jointly maintain regional stability, so do not interfere."

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed the 'Reciprocal Access Agreement' (RAA), which applies when the Self-Defense Forces and Australian military conduct joint training or respond to disasters together.

The RAA is an agreement that exempts entry inspections and simplifies weapon import procedures when the forces of the parties temporarily stay in the other country for joint training, etc. Australia is the first country to sign an RAA with Japan in over 60 years, excluding the United States.

After signing the agreement, Prime Minister Morrison said, "While much of the RAA concerns defense, the relationship with Japan is much deeper than just security issues."

Bryce Wakefield, director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, said, "It should be remembered that this agreement comprehensively covers not only defense matters but also customs and jurisdiction," adding, "This agreement lays the foundation for greater cooperation and leaves room to develop the nature of that cooperation."

Japan and Australia, members of the US-led four-country consultative group 'Quad' aimed at countering China, are interpreted as signaling their intention to strengthen pressure on China by signing the military agreement.

Following the launch of the US-UK-Australia security partnership 'AUKUS,' Japan and Australia have decided to enhance military cooperation, raising attention to the possibility of US-led security cooperation spreading to other Asian countries.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that this agreement could deepen concerns among regional countries about having to choose sides amid the US-China hegemonic competition.

SCMP stated, "The agreement between the two countries is a measure to strengthen military cooperation between US allies Japan and Australia," and predicted, "More maritime and air exercises are expected in the future."

Chen Hong, director of the Australia Research Center at East China Normal University, said, "With the signing of the RAA, military cooperation between Japan and Australia will proceed more aggressively," adding, "This will increase regional tensions and the possibility of military confrontation, escalating risks and instability."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.