Sale of Japan subs to Australia has both sides treading carefully

The possible sale by Japan of its Soryu-class “stealth” submarines to Australia was a delicate issue in both countries and a decision would take some time, according to Japanese ambassador Yoshitaka Akimoto.

Speaking at Canberra University’s National Security Institute, Mr Akimoto said Japan welcomed and supported the growing strat­egic presence of Australia in the region and beyond.

He said that while Japan and Australia were discussing the purchase of Soryu-class submarines or assistance with submarine technology, the issue was very sensitive in both countries and a decision would not be made in the near future.

Read more