Japan Envoy Proposes “Equilateral Security Triangle” with Australia and the U.S. to Counter China’s Growing Influence

On November 12, 2025, at 4:02 a.m. (local time) in Canberra, Japanese Ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki delivered a speech at the National Press Club, proposing that Japan and Australia establish an “equilateral security triangle” with the United States to create a strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.

He emphasized that the security relationship between Tokyo and Canberra remains “the shortest side” of the partnership framework and should be strengthened amid shared concerns over China’s growing military presence and increasingly assertive behavior in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. Suzuki remarked, “Japan and Australia are allies in every respect, except in name.”

The ambassador called for both countries to share strategic assessments, prepare for potential contingencies, and define coordinated response measures, particularly through annual meetings between their defense and foreign ministers.

Security cooperation between the two nations continues to expand,for instance, Australia’s selection of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build its new multi-billion-dollar warship fleet, Japan’s deployment of F-35 fighter jets for training in the Northern Territory in 2023, and the participation of over 1,500 Japanese personnel in this year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre. Suzuki noted, “A stronger Japanese presence in Australia not only bolsters Australia’s deterrence but also enhances Japan’s strategic resilience.”

Beyond security, Suzuki also praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government for extending operations of the North West Shelf gas precinct, reaffirming that both nations agree natural gas will remain an essential transitional energy source.

However, environmental groups have criticized this approach, arguing that Japan re-exports roughly 30% of Australian gas to other Asian countries, potentially locking the region into fossil fuel dependency and delaying renewable energy development. Meanwhile, a report from ABC warned that ongoing gas investments in Western Australia could divert crucial funding from green technology innovation, slowing the nation’s transition to sustainable energy in the long term.

Source: ABC News

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