Australian defence officials are preparing to choose whether to buy warships from Germany or Japan.

It’s an $11 billion decision – and is about far more than ship design and cost.

Given Japan describes Australia as its most important security partner after the United States, our decision will send a signal about whether the relationship is reciprocated.

These considerations have been sharpened by the recent appearance of the Chinese navy off our shores – and by the Trump administration's reshaping of American foreign policy.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis, on the frigate deal that could cement the Japan-Australia alliance, or sink it.

 

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

Photo: Connor Morrison / ADF

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