Strategy under the surface of the Australia–Japan sub deal (H. D. P. Envall, East Asia Forum)

The ‘competitive evaluation process’ Australia is now applying to decide who manufactures the country’s future submarines looms as a potential tipping point for the Japan–Australia strategic partnership. If the two countries were to enter into a long term relationship to build these submarines, a closer strategic partnership across the board becomes more likely. But if Australia opts for a German or French partnership, the momentum in Australia–Japan security relations could be seriously eroded.

http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/04/16/strategy-under-the-surface-of-the-australia-japan-sub-deal/