JAPAN, AUSTRALIA BOOST TIES

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Australian counterpart Linda Reynolds agreed that the two countries will begin coordination to enable Japan to protect Australian military assets in noncombat situations,  Kyodo News reported

The move comes as Japan and Australia are strengthening vigilance and surveillance activities amid China's growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas.

The protection by Japan's Self-Defense Forces of weapons and equipment belonging to foreign military forces became possible with the passage of new security legislation in 2015.

Australia would be the second country, after the United States, whose assets Japan would be allowed to protect under the law.

The law stipulates that SDF personnel are permitted to protect the military assets of other countries on condition that the foreign forces are engaged in activities contributing to the defense of Japan.

"We'll not engage in protecting (partners' assets) at the scene of combat," Kishi told reporters. "If it is recognized that an armed assault may occur, we'll order the suspension of such protection."

But a Japanese Defense Ministry official admitted that the protection could cover "gray zone" situations, such as if Australian vessels are being intimidated without an armed attack taking place.