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© 2013 AFPAustralia to build on ties with 'closest friend' Japan
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© 2013 AFP
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nath
Closest ?
Cortes Elijah
In Asia Mulan.
nath
I guess they had to change something... Rudd/Labour chose China now the Libs choose Japan.... Same old, Same old....
Disillusioned
So, there is a 'friendly' atmosphere at present. Let's see how quickly it changes in December when Japan sends its whaling fleet to the southern ocean.
nath
Well Tony Abbot is a conservative, and as a conservative, of course he hates the commies... I guess he also wants to join in US's China containment policy. Unfortunately this will probably cause more regional instability as China will inevitably hit back. Japan is probably going to be hit the hardest.
Had to put it in there...
Elbuda Mexicano
How long will it take big brother, China to say that Japan and Australia are ganging up on poor, innocent Beijing??
Get Real
Wow, Elbuda Mexicano is clairvoyant.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/china-warns-u-s-japan-australia-not-to-gang-up-in-sea-disputes
nath
No, it's from the conservative perspective. Liberals favored China, conservatives apparently, favor Japan.
I wonder what shared values and common interests (other than the more obvious, universal ones) Japan and Australia share... I mean Australia is a multi-cultural society... are they saying that Japan should become more multi-cultural?
nath
@OssanAmerica
Shared value ?
I think Japan and China share values, American values.
Japanese car sale in China just up 100%, can the closest friend help that to Japan ?
Louis Tan
Big Deal. Not a Ho Hum Crasher.
Tamarama
Tis' true, we're mates.
farcus
Australia want to be best mates? How about they remove the requirement of Japanese citizens having to get a visa to visit for a holiday. Currently it is much less hassle for Japanese to visit that other Oceania country - NZ - where no visa is required.
banz10
littleleon, first of all, it's "Labor" not "Labour". Secondly, Rudd may be fluent in Mandarin but he had an acute distrust for the Chinese government and the feeling quickly became mutual soon after his first trip there. The Labor govt under Rudd and Gillard unquestionably favoured relations with Japan. The new conservative govt is maintaining the status quo and is hoping that the FTA agreement, which has long been pushed by both sides, will finally be sealed. Don't comment unless you know what you're talking about.
oyatoi
Youre absolutely wrong. Japanese appreciate the additional feeling of security that having to obtain a visa confers. Just as Australians fully understand and accept the necessity of putting up with the time delays occasioned by Japans own security measures such as fingerprinting and photographing all inbound foreigners.
OssanAmerica
Contrary to the belief held by anti-whalers, whaling is not the biggest concern of Australians. And certainly not the Australian government- beyond appeasing a vocal portion of the populace. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/doomed-whaling-fight-aimed-at-saving-labor-vote-20110104-19f52.html
If you disagree you'll have to take it up with the Australian Foreign Minister. But as she makes reference to democratic ideals, I tend to think you will have a tough time convincing her that China, a one-party dictatorship that throws it's citizens in jail for advocating democracy "shares values" with Australia.
nigelboy
Make up your mind then.
One way love call from an insignificant country.
banz10
nigelboy
What country are you referring to?
fxgai
New Zealand is further away from Asia than Australia, I'm sure Australia considers NZ to be their best best friends in the South Pacific.
Nathaw
When Aussie wants to promote the trade and investment, they call as Japan is close friend or good old mate. If there is no their interest, they will criticize Japan as enemy of conservation and wild life. Currently they are suing Japan for whaling. They are calling defendant of court as close friend. If Aussie is a Japan close friend, Butcher will be close friend of animals which he is going to slaughter.
Aussie are fair weather friend who is treating Japan, South Korea and China as their toys. If Japan, South Korea and China boycott Aussie export goods and produce, they will no longer call any nation as their mate. Their mate ship is based on commercial interest and profitability. Therefore Julie Bishop sweet words are nothing more than drunken sailor sweet conversation for getting free drinks from other patron at the local pub.
oyatoi
Pot calling the kettle black. Japan and its slew of mercantilist imitators are every bit as focussed on doing what is best for themselves. Employing 全方位外交 omnidirectional diplomacy to achieve its objectives, Japan is the undisputed master at this sort of game.
Athletes
Tamarama Oct. 12, 2013 - 11:22AM JST
It is a sugar coated post. Aussie is a prosecutor in the court. Japan is a defendant in the court. Real mate does not sue and embarrass other. Aussie green peace warriors intimidated and damaged Japanese vessels. Japan has never sued or demanded compensation from Aussie. I entirely agree with Nathaw post. Aussie is not a closed friend as Julie Bishop said. It is a fair weather friend for gaining their interest. For example trade, tourism, marketing and falling in love with attractive Japanese girls.
Daniel Wass
.....is underpinned by shared values and common interests, a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and to continued regional stability and prosperity,” she said Friday. Please explain what you mean Ms Bishop? Values and commitment to rule of law? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEMaHLEK_18&feature=youtube_gdata_player
nigelboy
Read the article.
nath
I want to end the hypocrisy once for all. Ask Abe whom he wants to be closer, Australia or China ?
Ask Japanese who is closer, China or Australia ?
Older friend is still best friend, no matter what.
Mitsuo Matsuyama
Mulan
Onder friends? Please dont make me laugh.