AUKUS partners agree to consider including Japan

"Recognising Japan's strengths and its close bilateral defence partnerships with all three countries we are considering co-operation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects." "We are confident that engaging like-minded partners in the work of Pillar II will only strengthen this pursuit." Pillar II is distinct from Pillar I which involves the sale of nuclear-propelled submarine technology from the US to Australia in the early 2030s. The AUKUS defence leaders said they would begin talks with Japan this year. "AUKUS partners have developed principles and models for additional partner engagement in individual Pillar II projects and will undertake…