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Morrison touches down in Japan to talk travel bubbles, defence and China

Mark Saunokonoko

November 16, 2020 - 11.06pm

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has landed in Tokyo and will become the first foreign leader to meet in person with Japan's new prime minister.

A coronavirus travel bubble between the two countries will be on the agenda, which will also include bilateral security cooperation and Chinese expansionism.

After talks with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, who was elected in September, Mr Morrison will visit Papua New Guinea on his way back to Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrives in Japan for talks with their leader, Yoshihide Suga 9News

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison elbow bumps a Japanese official after landing in Japan for talks. 9News

Mr Morrison will go into 14-days isolation in the Lodge in Canberra when he returns to Australia and will participate in Parliament via a video link.

Against a frosty dip in Australia's relations with China, Mr Morrison and Mr Suga will explore further ways to increase security in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Both nations are keen to improve how the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Japanese Self-Defence Forces (SDF) work together, including hosting arrangement for troops from each country.

Australia and Japan are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to counter possible Chinese expansions in Indo-Pacific. The US and India are also members of the forum.