Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement now in effect
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Australia and Japan are strengthening defence ties with the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) coming into effect today.
FILE PHOTO: Australian, Japanese and American soldiers conduct a live-fire platoon attack with armoured fighting vehicles at Puckapunyal during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2014. Photo by Sergeant Brian Hartigan.
This military agreement provides the legal framework for greater defence cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF).
It is the first visiting-forces agreement Japan has struck with any country after the United States.
When it comes to practical outcomes, this agreement will see more training and exercises between the two countries, including;
- Japanese F-35s will deploy to Australia, to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time at the end of August;
- Exercise Bushido Guardian, where Australian F-35s will be deployed to Japan for the first time in early September; and,
- Australia will participate in Exercise Yama Sakura as a full participant for the first time with more than 150 personnel travelling to Japan in December.
Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the RAA would streamline more effective force cooperation and enable each country to increase the sophistication and regularity of training, exercises and other cooperative activities.
“The Reciprocal Access Agreement will deepen the relationship between our respective defence forces, supporting closer cooperation and strengthening the capabilities of both the ADF and the JSDF,” Mr Marles said.
“Both Australia and Japan recognise the increasing complexity of our security environment and the need to grow our partnership to support a stable and prosperous region.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said Australia and Japan shared an aspiration for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region, and this bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement would help deepen defence cooperation.
“The security and defence relationship between Australia and Japan is critical to both nations, and is underpinned by our Special Strategic Partnership.”
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I agree with Rosco that code-naming a joint training exercise “Bushido Guardian” is pretty insensitive. The Hagakure guided the behaviour of Japan’s Imperial Armed Forces during its aggression, firstly against Korea and China, and then during the Pacific phase of WW2.
Michael’s response shows that it is offensively insensitive for Australians who have knowledge of its practices at a personal level.
I don’t believe that later generations must necessarily carry the guilt of their ancestors. Equally, we can forgive, but never forget.
In their rush to embrace the Japanese military, which officially does not exist under Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, it seems that some of our politicians and ADF leaders have both forgiven and forgotten.
Poor fellow my country. We are not only going to have US nuclear-armed B-52s operating out of RAAF Base Tindal, but they are now going to be joined by Japanese F-35s.
Have we actually declared war on China yet, or are we still at the stage of being provocateurs, hoping that our intentions will be followed by the thrill of “seeing some action”?
Poor fellows my grandchildren…
Our first joint activity was probably being escorted to Europe in WW1 by Japanese vessels. In Iraq, Aussies repaid the debt by providing security for the JSDF in its civil reconstruction activites while restricted by post-WW2 constitution forbidding foreign combat.
“Yama Sakura” = mountain blossom. Won’t be much by way of blossom in December but plenty of beautiful autumn leaves (momiji), depending on location.
“Bushido Guardian”? “Care for the way of the warrior? Who comes up with these titles? Perhaps our departing troops should be issued with a copy of the Hagakure as preparatory reading.
Interesting comment Rosco.
A little unfortunate you made no mention of the 8th Division 2A.I.F. and their experiences with the Japanese Military.
Or even the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th Divisions might possibly exist in your World of Australian/Japanese Lovefests?
My Grandfather and his mates from the Thai – Burma Railway might have some news for you regarding ”Aussies repaying debts”.
Still, who cares anymore about the Diggers used for bayonet practice, the machine-gunned Nurses, the decapitations, cannibalism, the mass rapes, executions, torture and innate cruelty of the Japanese Military?
Bygones can be bygones I guess, yeah in fact, f*ck those Diggers!
As long as we follow the U.S. into yet another senseless slaughter for Freedumb and Dumocracy, we can enjoy that warm fuzzy feeling of gathering in mobs, getting pissed and singing. . . . . . .
Aussie Aussie Aussie. Oi Oi Oi !!!
Makes ya proud, don’t it?