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.