Australian ambassador to Japan floats Indo-Pacific network to counter China

InterviewShearer sees middle-power group with India, South Korea complementing US security tiesAndrew Shearer, Australian ambassador to Japan, holds a signed rugby ball from a match between the countries earlier in August. (Photo by Koji Nozawa)KOJI NOZAWAAugust 19, 2026 06:02 JSTTOKYO -- Australia's new ambassador to Japan has suggested a cooperative framework for Indo-Pacific security that engages other middle powers in Asia, looking to counter China's advances in the region.