Japan’s Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa, and Australia’s Ambassador to Japan Bruce Miller, have publicly expressed a desire to form a new military pact involving the United States.

Japan already has military pacts with the U.S., and with Australia.  Japanese officials say it is only natural that all three should join into one single pact.

Recently U.S. President Barack Obama announced a pact with Australia that involves basing up to 2,500 U.S. Marines there.

Military analysts say the real reason for military pacts between Japan, Australia and the U.S., is the growing fear of the growing power of China.