A country that still refuses to repent its military past, Japan is sounding and turning increasingly rightist. Closer military cooperation between Canberra and Tokyo could embolden the latter to travel even further along the wrong path, which is the last thing the rest of Asia wants to see.

If approved, the deal would be Japan's first since it lifted a ban on weapons exports that had lasted nearly half a century.

In April, the Japanese Cabinet approved new principles to replace ones laid down in 1967 that virtually ruled out arms exports.

The new principles give Japan the green light to export arms under certain circumstances, and to acquire advanced weapons and military technology through joint development with its allies.

In July, Japan's Cabinet passed a controversial resolution on collective self-defense. Both moves are seen as steps by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe toward dismantling the country's pacifist constitution and building up its military capacity.

As a country that has shown an increasing desire to engage with Asia in recent years, Australia should carefully weigh up the pros and cons of closer military cooperation with Japan. It is a move that would make many Asian countries sit up.

The proposed submarine deal is widely seen, especially by some in Japan, as a sign that the World War II foes are moving toward forging a military alliance.

The Abbott administration really needs to wake up to the possible consequences of jumping on Abe's bandwagon as the controversial Japanese leader seeks a greater military role for his country.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily. wanghui@chinadaily.com.cn