Australia downplays Japan’s role in AUKUS

Australia downplayed reports Japan could soon join its AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States, saying on Tuesday any cooperation would be on a project-by-project basis as differences emerge within the pact over adding new members.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Japan as a close partner but said there were no plans to add a fourth member to the pact at a news conference called hours after the AUKUS defence ministers announced they would consider working with Japan on military technology projects.
“What is proposed is to look at ‘pillar two’ of AUKUS and look at a project-by-project, whether there would be engagement, and Japan is a natural candidate for that to occur,” Albanese said.
“What is not proposed is to expand the membership of AUKUS.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles reiterated the AUKUS partners could potentially work with Japan on specific technology projects but it would not join the pact.