'Very, very serious' threat to peace in Indo-Pacific, Japan's ambassador to Australia warns

Japan's outgoing ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, says China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region are a cause for concern and should prompt preparations for "every kind of contingency", including the prospect of direct conflict.

Japan’s ambassador in Austalia, Shingo Yamagami, says the alliance between Australia and like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific will be important in responding to the threats to peace and stability in the region. Source: SBS News

Mr Yamagami is due to return to Tokyo around the middle of the year after about two-and-a-half-year tenure in his role.

In a wide-ranging interview, he told SBS chief political correspondent Anna Henderson that security co-operation between Japan and Australia is critical.

Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.