[Aus. Prime Minister] Howard backs Japan security deal

BBC ^ | Saturday, March 10, 2007

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Mr Howard said the deal would bring the two countries closer

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has dismissed suggestions that a security declaration with Japan could strain ties with China.

Mr Howard is set to sign the ground-breaking deal during a four-day visit to Japan which begins on Sunday.

The agreement is thought to include co-operation on terrorism, peacekeeping and disaster relief.

Australia has been looking to exert more influence in Asia, in terms of business as well as regional security.

Full details of the pact have not been revealed but it is expected to include plans for greater co-operation in dealing with North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

Mr Howard told Japanese journalists in Sydney that the deal "will mean that Australia's security relationship with Japan will be closer than with any other country, with the exception of the United States", Jiji Press news agency reported.

But he said ties with China would not be affected.

"We have a good relationship with China and I don't believe for a moment that this declaration is going to damage our relationship with China," Jiji quoted him as saying.

Free trade deal

Mr Howard has been driven by two principal concerns, the BBC's Phil Mercer reports from Sydney. Firstly his government wants to strengthen counter-terrorism measures with its regional neighbours.

Then there are powerful business considerations. Trade with Asia is the life blood of the Australian economy and a defence pact with Japan is likely to be followed by discussions on a free trade deal.

Analysts believe the defence treaty is further evidence that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is keen to pursue closer alliances with countries in the region including Australia and India.

This will be Japan's second bilateral security deal - its other one is the Japan-US Security Treaty which dates from 1960.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

pings.

[econjack]

This guy continues to amaze me with his courage of convictions. He does what he believes is correct and could care less whether it's popular or not. Recall he recent told the Muslims that Australia already has a code of law and they are not interested in changing it. He went on to say, in a polite, yet firm tone, that if the Muslims cannot adhere to Australian law, perhaps they should seek other places to live. Can you imagine what would happen here if W said that?

I love it when someone has the guts to toss PC-ness out the window and tell people what they really thinks. And, truth be told, I'll bet most people agree with him. Indeed, if W said it here, I think the majority of people would agree, but it would be the proportionately few libs who would get all the press.

[Calpernia]

Taking steps in the right direction, bump.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1797775/posts
Ruling party plans sex slave study (Japan World War II)

[snowsislander]

This is good news.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Appreciated.

Apparently outside pressure on the Japanese has paid off.

[Calpernia]

Every country needs a 'clean up'. Maybe Japan will be the leader to show others how it is done.

[MARKUSPRIME]

Good news. Democracies have to stick together against the tide of dictators,authoritarians,communists,and islamofacists. IE china,russia,NK,iran.

[snowsislander]

Apparently outside pressure on the Japanese has paid off.

For what it is worth, that's not how I read that piece --- it looks to me like the LDP is getting its back up over the issue.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

You could be right about the LDP, but for the article, it seems that it takes the view that Japan is finally acquiescing to foreign criticism of its wartime record:

"Reopening the question is likely to spark fresh outrage overseas ahead of an expected visit to Tokyo by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in April and a trip by Abe to Washington later that month."