A: Hey, Yuki! Heard any big news lately?
B: Not really, what's up?

A: So, Australia just chose Japan to partner on a massive navy ship deal!
B: Whoa, that sounds huge! What did the Australian Defense Minister say about it?

A: Well, he called it "the biggest defense industry agreement" between our countries. He thinks it's one of Japan's largest defense exports ever. And get this, it'll help Australia upgrade their defenses against China's growing activities in nearby waters.

B: Wait, really? That sounds serious. What else did he mention?

A: Oh, he said that China is doing the biggest "conventional military buildup" since World War II. So, they need to be prepared! He even mentioned considering joint missile operations with the US and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen their cooperation.

B: Wow, that's some serious stuff going on. Let's hope it all works out for the best!
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The Australian government has chosen Japan to partner on the development of a new ship for the country's navy.



Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles spoke to NHK about the deal's significance after its announcement.



He said: "It is a really significant moment in our relationship with Japan. It's easily the biggest defense industry agreement that there will be between our two countries. I think it's one of the biggest defense exports in Japan's history. And it takes, really to the next level what is becoming a growing and deeply significant defense relationship between our two countries."



Marles also said the frigates will help to upgrade his country's defenses amid China's growing maritime activities in nearby waters.



He noted that China is engaging in the largest "conventional military buildup since the end of the Second World War."



He added that "it's why we need to be doing everything within our power to be making sure that Australia is capable."



Marles said that Australia is considering joint missile operations with the United States and Japan as part of an overall plan to strengthen cooperation between the three countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Quiz 1:
According to Richard Marles, what is the significance of the defense industry agreement between Australia and Japan?
A. It's a minor event in their relationship.
B. It's one of the biggest defense exports in Japan's history.
C. It will have minimal impact on their growing defense relationship.
D. It's not going to affect their defense industry at all.

Quiz 2:
What does Richard Marles state about China's military buildup?
A. It is the smallest since the end of the Second World War.
B. It is insignificant and will not affect regional security.
C. It is easily the largest conventional military buildup since the end of the Second World War.
D. It has no impact on Australia's defense capabilities.

Quiz 3:
What additional measure is Australia considering as part of a plan to strengthen cooperation with the United States and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region?
A. Economic collaboration
B. Joint missile operations
C. Diplomatic negotiations
D. Military exercises with other countries