Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has voiced his support for the communique issued at the G7 Hiroshima summit, as it clearly states concern over China's actions in the East and South China seas.
Albanese said: "We've expressed that concern in the past, we'll continue to do so. What we need to do is to make sure that we work in a way that enhances peace, security, and stability in the region."
In the Quad four-way security framework with Japan, the United States and India, Australia has recently been boosting security ties with Japan, and the relationship is now often viewed as a "quasi alliance."
One example is personnel exchanges. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lieutenant Colonel Tada Shotaro is in charge of coordinating joint drills with the Australian military. He is the first SDF official to be sent to the country as a liaison officer.
"I'd like to contribute to strengthening bilateral ties, improving mutual operability and improving proficiency," Tada says.
Tada helped with preparations for the joint exercise held last year along with the US. An Australian Army official says Tada's role enabled the drill to begin at a much higher level of training and understanding.
Australian Army Colonel Mark Mankowski said, "I suspect the most impact will be if there's ever an emergency such as another disaster relief operation in the region where both Japan and Australia want to respond together."
The prime ministers of Japan and Australia welcomed the progress in security cooperation in their meeting on Sunday.
While promoting dialogue with China to normalize ties on the trade front, Australia is expected to continue its hardline stance on the country in the field of defense.