Japanese troops will join US Marines on annual deployments to the Northern Territory from 2025 as the three nations deepen defence ties to combat China's growing military strength.
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.