The Asia Pacific Initiative (API) held a roundtable on October 31, 2025, welcoming researchers from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney and fellows of the Japan–Australia Dialogue and Exchange for Next Generation (JADE) program.

Launched in 2024, the JADE program serves as a structured intellectual exchange between Japan and Australia. It aims to build a network of rising leaders from government, business, and academia in both countries, strengthening bilateral ties over the long term.

In the first part of the roundtable, participants engaged in discussions focused on Japan and its recent developments. Topics included semiconductor production in Kumamoto and Hokkaido prefectures, the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific, the expected role of India within the Quad framework, and the potential for Japan–Australia collaboration in space, innovation, and technology.

The second part of the discussion turned to developments in Australia, with particular attention to issues of interest for Japan. Participants exchanged views on Australia’s new National Defence Strategy, the Papua New Guinea–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, and policies related to rare earths and critical minerals processing, among other themes.

API was honored to host USSC researchers and JADE Fellows at the International House of Japan and extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their thoughtful contributions. The roundtable offered a valuable platform to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperative relations among the next generation of leaders from Japan and Australia.