Japan and ‘Special Strategic Partner’ Australia Forge Stronger Alliance

Australian naval ships replenish a United States Navy ship in the South Indian Ocean during the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on April 12, 2014. Australia is considering sending navy ships to help challenge the Chinese regime's claims in the South China Sea. LSIS James Whittle/Australia Department of Defense via Getty Images

Japan’s military has agreed to create a framework for protecting Australian Defense Force assets as the two countries forge stronger bilateral ties amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced the transition on Oct. 19 in a joint statement with Australian Defense Minister Linda Reynolds, who visited Tokyo for bilateral discussions with her counterpart.