「武器等防護」実施へ協議　９日に日豪２プラス２

　岸信夫防衛相は４日の記者会見で、日本、オーストラリア両政府による外務・防衛担当閣僚協議（２プラス２）を９日にオンライン形式で実施すると正式に発表した。「自由で開かれたインド太平洋（ＦＯＩＰ）」実現に向けた連携を確認するほか、自衛隊が豪軍の艦艇や航空機を警護する「武器等防護」の実施に向け協議する。
　武器等防護は２０１５年に成立した安全保障関連法に基づく措置。現在実施しているのは、米軍の艦艇と航空機による「情報収集・警戒監視」「輸送・補給」「共同訓練」などの際の警護で、対象が米軍以外に広がれば初めてとなる。（2021/06/04-14:47）

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced Friday that an online "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers between Japan and Australia will be held Wednesday.
   The two sides will confirm their cooperation to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific region, as well as discuss the possibility of Japan's Self-Defense Forces guarding Australian military vessels and aircraft.
   The protection of Australian military assets is based on Japan's national security laws of 2015. Under the laws, the SDF currently guards U.S. vessels and aircraft during reconnaissance and surveillance activities, transport and refueling activities and joint training sessions.
   It will be the first time for non-U.S. foreign assets to be protected by the SDF.
   "We want to raise security and defense cooperation with Australia, a special strategic partner, to the next level, and engage in candid discussions that can actively contribute to maintaining and strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kishi said.