But the three countries should note that their military alliance does not conform to the trend of our times. Both the APEC leaders' meeting in Beijing and G20 summit in Brisbane this month have shored up recognition of the urgency that countries should work together to address the woes in the world today.

Those tied up in a military alliance will probably find it hard to look beyond the picture of their own interests. Hence, these countries' pledges for global and regional peace and stability might remain just empty talk.

Restating, instead of discarding, a legacy of the Cold War could do a disservice, rather than make a contribution, to regional peace and stability.

A Wall Street Journal report, citing people familiar with Australia's plans, said Japanese troops may take part in a large biennial US-Australian military exercise in Australia's tropical Queensland state in June next year. That would build on existing military cooperation between Australia and the US, where the US already maintains a rotating air force and Marine presence in northern Australia, said the report.

During their Brisbane meeting, the leaders of the three countries also mentioned defense contracts including Canberra's intention to strike a colossal submarine purchase deal with Tokyo.

Military arrangements such as these will undoubtedly add more uncertainties to regional peace and stability. The US "pivot" strategy has already emboldened countries such as Japan and the Philippines to take reckless moves to infringe upon China's territorial integrity in the East and South China seas.

Considering the growing rightist sentiments in Japan, a stronger trilateral alliance is not good news for regional peace. Tokyo has always counted on the support of the US, even the latter's direct military involvement, in its dispute with China over the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.

If one day the dispute spins out of the hands of diplomats, Washington will have to swallow the bitter fruit of its military alliance with Japan by being dragged into a head-on confrontation with China, a scenario that could not possibly serve the interests of either party.

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