Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III gathered in Darwin, Australia, on November 17, 2024, for the fourteenth Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting. The meeting reaffirmed the enduring commitment of the three nations to their partnership based on shared values and trust.
The ministers expressed a united commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasized respect for sovereignty and the rule of law, highlighting their support for ASEAN centrality and unity. "We are united in our steadfast commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," they stated.
Concerns were raised about destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas by the People's Republic of China (PRC), particularly against Philippine vessels. The ministers reiterated opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion. They emphasized adherence to international law, including freedom of navigation as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The importance of peace across the Taiwan Strait was also highlighted. The ministers condemned North Korea's missile tests as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions and threats to global stability. They called for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Regarding regional defense cooperation, four pillars were identified: expanding trilateral operational cooperation; building advanced capabilities together; planning together; and demonstrating presence in the region. Initiatives include increased Japan participation in joint exercises with Australia and the United States from 2025 onwards.
The statement acknowledged progress under trilateral Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects Arrangement focusing on aerospace materials and autonomous systems. Future cooperation under AUKUS Pillar II was also discussed.
Efforts will continue to enhance maritime security through cooperative activities with countries like India and Pacific island nations. This includes contributions to Exercise PUK PUK in Papua New Guinea in 2025.
The ministers concluded by emphasizing continued collaboration among their defense forces to uphold regional stability.
