Japan will reap benefits from joining the Australia-UK-US Security Partnership (AUKUS), if it can address some notable challenges, said Rena Sasaki, a PhD student at Johns Hopkins University (USA).
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| Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles once mentioned Japan's role once it joins AUKUS - Photo: Mr. Marles during his visit to Japan in October. (Source: Australian Ministry of Defence) |
Many benefits
First , in its report on the Indo-Pacific Study, the British House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee stated that Japan would benefit more technologically and security-wise if it joined the AUKUS Pillar 2 on cooperation involving advanced technologies such as undersea capabilities, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, advanced cyber, hypersonic weapons, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing. These areas are important in strengthening the combined deterrence capabilities of US allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan.
With existing joint research and development defense cooperation frameworks with the US, UK and Australia, Japan has the foundation to cooperate with AUKUS. However, cooperation under existing frameworks is project-based, focusing on fundamental technologies rather than a set of priority capabilities, unlike AUKUS. For example, most joint research with the US is related to technologies directly related to equipment, such as next-generation amphibious technology and hybrid electric vehicle drive systems.
On this basis, Japan could benefit significantly from participating in Pillar 2 of AUKUS. Therefore, the report calls on the UK to propose to Australia and the US to include Japan and South Korea in cooperation within the AUKUS framework.
Second , in its 2022 National Defense Strategy, Tokyo states that the use of advanced technologies for defense is increasingly important. With its high technological capabilities, Japan needs to cooperate with allies and mobilize its technological capabilities to prepare for a long-term technological race. Advantages in critical and emerging technologies, mentioned in Pillar 2 of AUKUS, will directly translate into military advantages. Therefore, access to these technologies will deter potential adversaries in the Indo-Pacific.
In the current context, many economic challenges may impact Japan’s investment in science and technology. In this context, Japan can more effectively acquire important and emerging technologies by working closely with allies and partners. Cooperation through Pillar 2 of the expanded AUKUS will enable members to fill gaps in each other’s capabilities and promote economies of scale.
Third , and most importantly, this cooperation will promote the internationalization of Japan's defense industry. For a long time, the industry's only customers were the Ministry of Defense and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). In 2020, defense-related procurement from domestic manufacturers accounted for less than 1% of Japan's total industrial output.
However, the industry is undergoing major changes as the government gradually eases restrictions on the transfer of defense equipment. Therefore, the close relationship between Japan and AUKUS is a good opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of the country's defense manufacturers. The expansion of this agreement could provide opportunities for Japanese defense manufacturers to learn the marketing and sales know-how of defense equipment from AUKUS partners.
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| Japan's participation in Pillar 2 of AUKUS could help boost its defense industry - Photo: Soldiers of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). (Source: Japan Forward) |
Many challenges remain
However, Japan needs to overcome a number of challenges before joining AUKUS.
First , the country lacks a comprehensive security exemption system. The Specially Designated Secrets Protection Act, Japan's only current information security law, limits the scope of information classified as state secrets to four areas: diplomacy, defense, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism.
However, this law does not cover economic and technological information. Without this security exemption system, Japanese manufacturers will have difficulty accessing confidential information in joint development activities. Therefore, Japan needs a security exemption system before joining AUKUS.
In addition , Japan is striving to become a major arms exporter like the United States and the United Kingdom. Therefore, some have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The focus of AUKUS is reminiscent of Japan’s efforts to sell conventionally powered submarines in 2015. However, given the need to build an effective deterrent in the Indo-Pacific, the current time may not be suitable for commercial competition. Therefore, Japan should accept the division of roles for each country under the expanded AUKUS framework.
Finally , AUKUS is a military-oriented agreement. Japan’s entry would signal to China that it is part of the US “comprehensive deterrence” network. With China, Japan, and South Korea working to restore dialogue through a trilateral summit, Tokyo may feel that the timing is not right to join AUKUS.
However, the security environment in East Asia is more complex than ever. Technological development, especially for critical emerging and critical technologies, will take many years. The United States has also expressed a positive attitude toward expanding its membership in Pillar 2. Will Japan step up its efforts to join the treaty or stop short of this crucial threshold? The decision will be up to Tokyo.
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