Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed between Japan and Australia 

Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed between Japan and Australia 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations

In news

• Japan and Australia have signed a landmark defence deal in a bid to counter China’s growing influence in the South China Sea and over the Pacific island nations.

Key takeaways 

• Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) comes weeks after foreign ministers of the Quad alliance, which includes the US and India, met in Tokyo.
• The pact allows Japanese and Australian troops to visit each other’s countries and conduct training and joint operations. 
• Australian Prime Minister said that the treaty will strengthen their security ties and facilitate cooperation between defence forces.
• The two sides also agreed on the need for a framework to allow Japanese military to protect Australian forces if needed.