Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, reflects on the growing strategic importance of Australia-Japan relations as both countries mark 50 years since the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, highlighting opportunities to deepen cooperation on regional security, economic resilience and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Bridges: As Australia and Japan mark 50 years since the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, how would you describe the strategic importance of the relationship today, particularly in the context of regional stability and economic security?

Senator Wong: Japan and Australia have never been closer and never more strategically aligned. And at a time of increasing global change, our partnership has never mattered more. We share a commitment to a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, and to ensuring sovereignty is respected and rules are upheld. 

Since signing the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1976, our relationship has deepened and diversified across trade, security, education, tourism, culture, arts and sport. Our partnership continues to evolve to meet new challenges. When Prime Ministers Albanese and Takaichi met in Canberra on 4 May 2026, they agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy security, critical minerals, cyber security and defence, and establish a new Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue.

The Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation, signed by the leaders, is the first declaration of its kind between our two countries. It commits Australia and Japan to work together to strengthen supply chains for energy, food and other essential goods, and to protect and promote critical technologies. It’s an example of how our partnership is helping build more resilient economies and a more stable region. 

At a time of growing strategic competition and economic uncertainty, the Australia-Japan partnership matters not only to our two countries, but to the stability and resilience of our region.

Australia and Japan have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and long-term alignment. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for both countries to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?

I often talk about the “four Rs” of Australia’s foreign policy, which are our region, relationships, international rules and our resilience as a country. Australia and Japan are closely aligned on these priorities and the role we can both play in helping shape a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Alongside traditional security challenges, emerging issues such as technological change, artificial intelligence and climate impacts will increasingly test our resilience and capabilities. That creates new opportunities for deeper collaboration between our countries.

Australia and Japan will continue sharing information and expertise, consulting closely on issues of shared concern, strengthening relationships in the region with our partners and working through coalitions like the Quad and through the multilateral system.

By strengthening institutions, upholding international rules and deepening practical cooperation, we can help deter conflict, support free trade, and promote peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.