Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles hosted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani Gen for trilateral talks in Darwin on Sunday.
In a joint statement, the ministers announced annual trilateral amphibious training between Australia, Japan and the US Marine rotational force in Northern Australia from 2025, beginning with Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Richard Marles hosted a meeting with his US and Japanese defence counterparts in Darwin. (Ian Waldie/AAP PHOTOS)
Japan will also boost its contribution to Exercise Southern Jackaroo to increase the ability of the three militaries to work together.
Australia will also join Exercise Orient Shield in Japan for the first time in 2025.
The statement reiterated "serious concern" about destabilising actions in the East and South China Seas including "dangerous conduct" by the Chinese military against Philippine and other coastal state boats.
Several near misses between the Australian Defence Force and Chinese military have taken place in the region in recent years.Â
In September, Beijing launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean.
Acknowledging tensions over a potential military conflict involving Taiwan, the statement urged for the temperature to be lowered.
"We emphasise the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and call for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues," it reads.
There are "serious concerns" about China's destabilising actions in the East and South China Seas. (AP PHOTO)
Mr Marles, who is also the defence minister, said following annual "2+2" talks with his Japanese counterpart in September both nations looked to how they could build greater familiarity between their defence forces.
One of the "obvious opportunities" was for Japan to participate in activities during the US Marine rotation.
"We have spoken to Japan about having their amphibious rapid deployment brigade doing training with our own defence force, with our own army and with the US Marines," Mr Marles told Sky News.
"Having a more forward-leaning opportunity for greater training with Japan and the US together is a really fantastic opportunity."
China's expanding military capability has alarmed Washington and countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Asked if the increased military co-operation would anger Beijing, Mr Marles said the decision was about building the nation's capability.
"What we are focused on ... is building the best relationships possible with like-minded countries, with our friends and with our allies," he said.
Asked what message he would send to US president-elect Donald Trump's pick for defence secretary Pete Hegseth, Mr Marles said it would be that American leadership matters.
"If there is a world which is only determined by power and might, that doesn't leave a lot of space for most countries in the world - and countries like Australia," he said.
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