The Japan choice: reconsidering the risks and opportunities of the 'Special Relationship' for Australia.

Canberra and Tokyo have forged an ever-closening security alignment, which they now designate as a 'special strategic partnership'. This development has generated disquietude among some strategic analysts in Australia who have highlighted the risks entailed in pursuing deeper defense cooperation with Japan, especially if it is codified through a formal 'alliance' treaty. Anchored in a contending Realist logic, this article reexamines the assumptions upon which the critical assessment bases its conclusions and seeks to offer a counterpoint to such negative interpretations of the bilateral relationship. It then goes on to provide a more positive assessment of the strategic partnership, illustrating the many benefits and opportunities that deeper cooperation with Japan affords for Australia. In the process it draws attention to an alternate set of costs that could be incurred by resiling from Japan in order to 'accommodate' Chinese concerns. It concludes that the nature and purpose of the Australia- Japan strategic partnership requires a more nuanced understanding in order for its various costs and benefits to be subjected to a more balanced appraisal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]