警惕！高调互动造势，日防相陪同澳防长考察日本“最上”级护卫舰

Core Viewpoint - Japan and Australia are enhancing their defense cooperation, particularly through the procurement of Japan's "Maya" class destroyers, which reflects a strategic alignment with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and raises regional tensions [1][4]. Group 1: Defense Cooperation - Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani accompanied Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Marles to inspect the "Maya" class destroyer at the Yokosuka base, indicating a deepening defense relationship [1][3]. - The Australian Navy plans to procure 11 new destroyers by February 2024, with an estimated investment of 111 billion AUD (approximately 70 billion USD), aiming for a collaborative development approach [3]. - The recent "2+2" talks between Japan and Australia marked a significant elevation in defense cooperation, with both parties expressing intentions to enhance defense industrial collaboration [4]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The collaboration between Japan and Australia is seen as part of a broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region, aligning with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy [4]. - Japan is advancing its military capabilities, including hypersonic missiles and aircraft carrier modifications, while Australia is developing nuclear submarines under the AUKUS pact [4]. - Experts suggest that this partnership not only escalates tensions in the Asia-Pacific region but also reveals the willingness of both nations to act as proxies for U.S. interests in the ongoing U.S.-China strategic competition [4].