Expanding Horizons: Reciprocal Access Agreements, the Japan-Australia Special Strategic Partnership, and Japans Novel Security Cooperation

Abstract

This paper outlines the contours of Japans newly strengthened security cooperation with aligned powers in the Indo-Paci!c and beyond through the case study of its so-called Special Strategic Partnership (tokubetsuna senryakuteki patonashippu) with Australia. In particular, it discusses the new bilateral framework constituted by the so-called Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (Nichigo enkatsuka kyotei) signed by the two countries in 2022, focusing both on its legal contents and wider significance for security cooperation between its signatories. Such an analysis is prefaced by a discussion of its doctrinal and geopolitical backgrounds, which are identi!ed as the FOIP vision (jiyude hirakareta Indo- Taiheiyo) and integrated deterrence against a revisionist China, respectively. In light of the highly politicized rhetoric regarding the Special Strategic Partnership, the actual capabilities of this security partnership between Japan and Australia, as well as their attendant legal instruments, are analyzed in comparison with those of the US-Japan Alliance. Finally, in light of the reproducibility of the RAA framework and the signing of a second RAA between Japan and the UK in 2023, the geopolitical implications and outlook of Japans newly expanded sphere of security cooperation are also discussed