Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are reportedly taking part in joint strategic consultations with the militaries of South Korea, the U.S. and Australia.

Japan’s Sankei Shimbun daily quoted a Japanese government official as saying that it is the first time for Tokyo to form a military consultative body with the three countries.

According to the daily, Japan wants to keep China in check in the Western Pacific through consultations with the U.S. and Australia, while also aiming to enhance capabilities to combat threats posed by North Korea via consultations with South Korea and the U.S.