ASPICanberra 58d ago

On 4 May, Director of ASPI’s Defence Strategy Program Mike Hughes AIM joined Patricia Karvelas on ABC Afternoon Briefing to discuss the significance of the Australia–Japan strategic relationship amid Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit, alongside the findings of ASPI’s new report on AUKUS, which argues Canberra should consider leasing submarines from Japan as a fallback option if major hurdles emerge. Mike also explained why Australia’s deepening ties with Japan should be viewed positively, highlighting Tokyo's record as a trusted democratic partner, and discussed Japan's strategy towards China, including its efforts to defend its sovereignty amid growing pressure and coercion from Beijing and Moscow.