Australia PM denies closer ties with Japan will hurt China relations after Abe visit
Keen to maintain good relations with regional rivals Japan and China, Australian prime minister denies deals with Tokyo will cause conflict in Beijing relations
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Thursday Australia’s closer ties with Tokyo would not hurt relations with China after a successful and productive visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
During Abe’s two-day trip, in which he became the first Japanese leader to address the Australian parliament, major free trade and security deals were sealed, including the sharing of defence technology.
China is Australia’s biggest trading partner and has been restrained in any reaction, although its state media hit out at Abbott’s “appalling” speech to parliament.
“We want a better friendship with Japan ... but we also want a better friendship with China.”
During the address, the Australian leader honoured the courage of Japanese submariners during the second world war.
Abbott, who repeatedly during Abe’s trip referred to their “special” relationship, said there was room for bilateral ties with both Japan and China to blossom.
“The point I make is that when it comes to international friendships, it is not a zero sum game. It is possible to strengthen a range of friendships simultaneously,” he said when asked by reporters if ties with Beijing had been hurt.
“We want a better friendship with Japan, and I think pretty obviously we are getting that, but we also want a better friendship with China.
