PoliticsJapan defence minister heads to Australia amid ‘melon-gate’ controversy

Japan’s defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, will visit Canberra and meet Australia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles. Talks will focus on Australia’s planned purchase of Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and deeper security cooperation, as both governments play down a controversy over Anthony Albanese’s comments about gifted melons.

JapanAustraliadefence cooperationdiplomacy

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-08-16 04:44Original