
The defense ministers of the three AUKUS countries this week said they are considering inviting Japan to at least some elements of Pillar II work. “Recognizing Japan's strengths and its close bilateral defense partnerships with all three countries, we are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects,” the ministers said in a joint statement released April 8. The joint statement was released by Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Grant Shapps, U.K.…