Australia and Japan's close relationship is based on common political values, market economies, open trade policies and overlapping security interests. The deepening bilateral security relationship includes taking part in joint humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, anti-piracy operations, as well as naval and coast guard exercises.

Both countries have condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests. Their foreign aid programs have generally been complementary, especially in the Pacific Islands. There is also an extensive suite of institutionalized cultural and academic exchanges.

Canberra and Tokyo have also been close collaborators in promoting open economic regionalism around the Pacific such as encouraging growing regional cooperation in Southeast Asia led by ASEAN; in fostering security dialogue in particular under the auspices of the ASEAN Regional Forum; and in expanding the strategic framework to cover the Indo-Pacific and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.