May31, 2026

The defense ministers of Japan, Australia and New Zealand at a meeting in Singapore on Saturday discussed New Zealand's possible introduction of an upgraded model of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class frigate, according to Japanese news agency Jiji Press. They reaffirmed cooperation citing so-called "growing strength of China's maritime power" as an excuse, per the report. A Chinese military affairs expert told the Global Times that Japan's weapons export push aims to bypass its pacifist constitution, pursue rearmament, and align with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy - a move that violates international law, revives militarism, and threatens Asia-Pacific stability.

"I told them that if New Zealand were to select our vessel, it would not only deepen defense cooperation between Japan and New Zealand but could also improve interoperability and operational compatibility among the three countries," Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi was quoted by the Kyodo News as saying on Saturday.

They also agreed to expand joint training and exercises among their forces to improve interoperability and operational cooperation, claimed the Kyodo News.

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https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202605/1362386.shtml