Japan has announced new defence guidelines under which the country’s defence budget over the next five years will be increased, new weapons platforms purchased from the US, and more funds allotted to new domains of warfare.
Indonesia and India plan to develop maritime cooperation, with a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean.
If left unchecked, a decline in Australia’s influence will continue quite rapidly over the coming decade, writes Nick Bisley.
Among the many discussion topics were economic relationships, trade, defence and security cooperation, and crime fighting and counter- terrorism.
