Australian and Canadian Defence Ministers Release Statement Outlining Aligned Interests

Following the Australian Minister of Defence’s two-day visit to Canada this past summer, Minister Richard Marles and Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair released a joint statement outlining the two countries’ aligned interests.

In the statement, released after their August meeting in Vancouver, the Ministers touched on many issues close to both the Australian and Canadian people and how the two countries are working in conjunction to ensure the world is a safer place.

“Canada and Australia enjoy a partnership based on shared history, values and friendship. Facing an increasingly complicated strategic environment, we commit to strengthen our defence relationship and reinforce our collective ability to respond to global challenges.

“We commit to enhancing the interoperability of our armed forces. We will explore ways to reduce barriers to collaboration, including through arrangements to facilitate value-added defence and industrial activities and to support operational cooperation. We will reinforce collaboration in space, cyber, research and development, advanced capabilities, and science and technology. We remain committed to the Five Eyes partnership,” read the August 8, 2024 statement.

Indo-Pacific Region Cooperation

Understanding that both countries are part of the Indo-Pacific region, Ministers Marles and Blair touched on their role in that part of the world. Australia particularly applauded Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and desire to increase its Naval presence in the region.

“As Indo-Pacific nations, we support a region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, which includes respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. We underscored the need for all countries to manage strategic competition responsibly and work to reduce the risks of conflict. We commit to deepen our operational cooperation, including by exploring opportunities to conduct joint sails, cooperative deployments, and multilateral exercises and training.”

Additionally, both pointed to increased multilateral exercises in the region, including in the South China Sea. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver will partake in Exercise KAKADU next month and Australia plans for a “follow-on ship rearmament activity.”

Additionally, Canada plans to participate in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in 2025.

Increasing Global Security

Ministers Blair and Marles’ statement incorporates many security threats and conflicts currently threatening global security. The statement reiterates their commitment to Ukraine, maintaining lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and maintaining peace on the Taiwan Strait.

Both ministers also mentioned their concerns about China’s expanding presence in the South China Sea.

“We reiterate our strong opposition to destabilizing or coercive actions in the South China Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and the militarization of disputed features. We express grave concern over China’s dangerous actions against Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

“These actions jeopardize regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties and noted all states have a responsibility to adhere to international law. We are encouraged by the Philippine’s and China’s diplomatic engagement and commitment to de-escalate tensions.”

The Ministers also addressed the ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

“We reaffirm our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation. We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire deal. We are gravely concerned about the recent escalation of rhetoric and attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border as well as the prospect of further escalation which could destabilize the entire region. We support all diplomatic efforts to calm tensions and continue to urge de-escalation and restraint.”

Developing Capabilities

Australia and Canada both have outlined plans for bolstering their defence capabilities and how the countries can work towards increasing operational capabilities.

“We recognize operational effectiveness is underpinned by the strength of our cooperation in science, technology, and capability development. We are prioritizing overcoming challenges to the research, development, procurement, and fielding of advanced military capabilities to maintain our technological edge and support regional stability and security.”

Cyber and Space

The two countries even made it a point to outline their joint cyber and space goals.

“We recognize malicious cyber threats and activities have increased in sophistication and scale. We reaffirm efforts to bolster our operational collaboration to address emerging cyber threats through the Five Eyes partnership, and we commit to deepening our cyber cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners.”