‘Special relationship’ between Australia and Japan begins

SHINZO Abe wants his visit to Australia to produce a “special relationship’’ between Canberra and Tokyo.

SHINZO Abe wants his visit to Australia, and its accompanying trade and defence agreements, to produce a “special relationship’’ between Canberra and Tokyo.

In an exclusive interview with The Australian on the eve of his visit, the Japanese Prime Minister indicated that he wanted this ­special relationship to further ­intensify what is already a strategic partnership.

In answers to written questions, Mr Abe hailed both the free- trade agreement he will sign with Tony Abbott and the defence technology co-operation agreement as transformative.

The FTA, known as the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, was unique for Japan, Mr Abe said.

“The EPA is a very significant agreement for Japan,’’ he said.

“Australia is the largest trading partner Japan has concluded such an agreement with.’’

Mr Abe recalled the history of an agreement with Australia that helped bring Japan into the global community after World War II: “In 1957, which is now 57 years ago, my grandfather and then prime minister Nobusuke Kishi welcomed prime minister Menzies as the first Australian prime minister to visit Japan after World War II and drove the conclusion of the Japan-Australia Agreement on Commerce.

“The signing of the agreement resulted in a significant expansion of the economic relationship bet­ween Japan and Australia and has served as the cornerstone of the strong partnership that has since been developed.’’

Mr Abe specifically drew ­attention to the potential for Japan-Australia collaboration on the development of submarines, one of the most important and sensitive items in defence technology. “By measures such as concluding an Agreement on the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology (with Australia), I will seek to elevate the strategic partnership further and establish a new special relationship.

“When the agreement comes into force, it will create new opportunities for joint development of defence equipment and technology, which involves their transfer between the two countries, including opportunities for the transfer and joint development of defence equipment and technology.’’

This is a direct reference to the possibility of Australia and Japan working together on the development of a new submarine for ­Australia to replace the ageing Collins class subs.

Mr Abe said: “Japan and Australia already have an agreement on fundamental scientific and technological research in the area of hydrodynamics. Technology derived from this field of research can be applied to a wide range of vessels, including submarines.’’

Australian and Japanese officials have been involved in extensive discussions about Canberra’s interest in possibly acquiring ­Japanese designed Soryu class subs, regarded as the world’s most powerful conventionally powered submarines.

Mr Abe played down recent tensions between his government and Beijing: “Japan and China are inextricably linked to each other. It is not uncommon for various unresolved issues to exist between neighbouring countries.

“China is a major country which, together with Japan and Australia, has to play a prominent role in ensuring the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. It is my strong expectation China will abide by international norms and play a constructive role in dealing with regional issues.

“In accordance with the principle of a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, I would like to develop relations with China in a way that keeps a broad perspective. My door is always open for dialogue.

“I sincerely hope that China takes the same approach.’’ Mr Abe said that Australia and Japan held the same fundamental values.

He said Australia and Japan have become “strategic partners through deepening concrete defence co-operation,’’ as well as through joint peace keeping ­efforts, joint military exercises and exchanges of defence leaders.

Mr Abe will today address the Australian parliament, hold a joint press conference with Mr Abbott and attend a meeting of cabinet’s National Security Committee.