Australia says no plan for Japan to join 3-member Aukus security alliance

Cooperation with Tokyo would be ona project-by-project basis, Aussie PM adds

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Australia downplayed reports that Japan could soon join its Aukus security pact with Britain and the United States, saying on April 9 that any cooperation would be on a project-by-project basis as differences emerge within the alliance over adding new members.

Australian 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 it project by project, whether there would be engagement, and Japan is a natural candidate for that to occur," Mr Albanese said.

"What is not proposed is to expand the membership of Aukus." Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles reiterated that the Aukus partners could work with Japan on specific technology projects, but the country would not join the pact.