TOKYO, Sha'ban 13, 1435, Jun 11, 2014, SPA -- Japan and Australia discussed plans Wednesday to jointly develop stealth submarine technology, as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushes his country toward a more assertive global military role, AP reported. The submarine technology is a top item at "2+2" talks among the nations' foreign and defense ministers in Tokyo. The research aims to develop faster submarines with reduced water resistance and quieter propellers, Japanese defense officials said earlier this week. The technology would be applicable to any vessel, and would not necessarily lead to the sale of Japanese submarines to Australia, which is exploring purchasing submarines from Germany and France as well. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera are hosting their Australian counterparts, Julie Bishop and David Johnston, at Wednesday's meeting. The four are expected to agree to strengthen military ties. Abe says the U.S.-Japan alliance remains central to his security policy, but has widened defense cooperation with Britain, France, India and several Asian-Pacific nations, particularly Australia, amid an expansion of Chinese military activities in the region and concern that budget pressures may reduce America's presence. --SPA 12:51 LOCAL TIME 09:51 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w