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China Condemns Historic Australia-Japan Defense Pact

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Australia and Japan have agreed on a historic defense
   pactthatwould allow both countries to strengthen military ties in the
   face of rising tensions with China.

   This is Japan's first agreement covering the presence of foreign
   military forces on its soil since a deal in 1960 that permitted the
   United States to base troops, aircraft and warships in Japan.

   The pact allows Japanese and Australian personnel to visit each other's
   countries to carry out training and joint operations.Officials have
   spent six years negotiating the accord.Australian officials said it was
   a "pivotal moment in the history of Japan-Australia ties."

   The in-principalagreement has been made between Japanese Prime Minister
   Yoshihide Suga and his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, who has
   flown to Tokyo. The pact needs to be approved by the Japanese
   parliament.

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