Submarine deal positioned to injure regional peace

The possibility of Australia buying Japanese submarines is looming large. Media reports have revealed that talks are under way between the two countries over what would be the largest arms purchase in Australia's history.

However, Canberra needs to think twice before it proceeds with the deal, as it is clearly politically motivated.

"There is no overriding need to build our new submarines in Australia, but there are very good reasons not to buy them from Japan," Hugh White, a columnist and professor of strategic studies at Australian National University, wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sept 15.

I could not agree with him more.

It is now not unusual for the Australian media to refer to the "special" relationship between Canberra and Tokyo as a "marriage", and the submarine deal would certainly deepen those ties, especially in the security field.

Back in 2009, Australia signaled the purchase of 12 new conventionally powered submarines in a defense white paper. But since then, indecision among the country's military chiefs has become a target of public criticism.

With the much-rumored Japan option becoming a real possibility last month, the level of surprise and skepticism among some politicians and media commentators is even greater in Australia than outside the country.

According to reports from News Corp Australia, Tony Abbott's government is considering selecting the Japanese-built Soryu Class submarine to replace locally built Collins Class boats when they are withdrawn from service in 2030.

More than 20 billion Australian dollars ($18.72 billion) would be spent on up to 10 of the Japanese submarines.

It would be a heavy blow to Australia's shipbuilding industry, as 1,000 workers would reportedly lose their jobs.

Bill Shorten, the opposition leader, has even warned about the possible death of the country's naval shipbuilding industry, and the consequent threat to national security.

Yet such domestic concerns are far outweighed by the implications of the purchase for regional peace and security.