Anthony Albanese has shut down suggestions of Japan being a fourth player in the AUKUS alliance, despite the ally helping to produce frigates for Australia's defence forces.

The prime minister held talks with his newly elected Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the role, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.

"The meeting I had ... was very positive and constructive. She has invited me to come to Japan," Mr Albanese told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Ms Takaichi told Mr Albanese she wanted to "promote strategic co-operation with Australia" and improve the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) co-operation.

The Quad, which includes the United States, Australia, Japan and India, was set up to counter China militarily and diplomatically in t

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