US and Australia Seek to ‘Integrate’ Japan in Joint Defense Efforts, Says Lloyd Austin

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Friday that Japan will be joining the United States and Australia in their joint defense efforts, as China continues to display aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

In this handout image provided by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (C) is greeted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles during a lunch at Persone Italian Restaurant in Brisbane, Australia, on July 28, 2023. Sarah Friend/Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Friday that America and Australia will look at ways to “integrate” Japan in their joint defense efforts as China continues to display aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr. Austin made these remarks during his meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who also serves as the defense minister, in Brisbane. The meeting took place ahead of the AUSMIN talks, an annual gathering of top diplomats and defense officials from both countries.