BLUF
Japan wants a closer relationship with Australia.Summary
Australia has developed a defence partnership with Japan which could prove to be as healthy as the partnerships we have with New Zealand and the UK. The previous PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, was keen to develop a new relationship with Australia. To date, this has included the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Quad. There is also a suggestion that Japan should join the Five-Eyes intelligence group of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. The Japan Times noted that the main obstacle might be cultural: 'From 'Five Eyes' to six — a good idea, but not the best', which stated that: 'Five Eyes is based on a group that 'shares deep historical and cultural ties that stem from a common Anglo-Saxon heritage, they're all native English speaking too'. Do you think the pros outweigh the cons in Japan seeking to become a member of Five Eyes?
References
- Asian security doctrines (1): Japan steps up
- Is the Time Right for Japan to Become Five Eyes’ ‘Sixth Eye’?
- A Quad of consequence: Balancing values and strategy
- Will Japan become Five Eyes' 'sixth eye'? - Global Times
- Why Five Eyes should now become six | The Japan Times
- Five Eyes alliance could expand in scope to counteract China ...
- Suspicion creeps into the Five Eyes | The Interpreter
- From 'Five Eyes' to six — a good idea, but not the best |...
