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Japan's ambassador in Canberra has firmly backed the Federal Government's approach to China, saying he "Applauds" the way Australia has resisted economic pressure from Beijing.

Source : PortMac.News | Independent :

Source : PortMac.News | Independent | News Story:

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Japanese ambassador backs Australia's handling of China
Japan's ambassador in Canberra has firmly backed the Federal Government's approach to China, saying he "Applauds" the way Australia has resisted economic pressure from Beijing.

News Story Summary:

Ambassador Shingo Yamagami also rejected suggestions that Japan has managed ties with the emerging superpower more skilfully than Australia, saying his government was "struggling every day" to manage its relationship with China.

Speaking to the National Press Club in Canberra, Mr Yamagami said the relationship between Japan and Australia had undergone an "Astonishing" transformation and the two countries now shared close strategic ties.

He made a clear reference to the series of trade sanctions which China's government has imposed on Australia as the two countries continue to clash over the COVID-19 outbreak, human rights abuses, foreign investment and cyber-attacks.

"Australia is not walking alone," he said.

"I applaud the way Australia has faced up to tremendous pressures in a consistent, principled and resilient manner.

"Japan fully supports Australia's efforts to solve the ongoing disputes through dialogue in accordance with international laws."

Labor has largely backed the government's policies on China but has accused the Coalition of mining the diplomatic crisis to win political points.

Several analysts have also sharply criticised the Federal Government, accusing it of resorting to megaphone diplomacy, and arguing that countries like South Korea, Britain and Japan have managed sharp conflicts with China while preserving political ties.

But when asked if Japan could provide any advice to Australia on how to handle Beijing, Mr Yamagami brushed the suggestion aside.

"The nutshell of that argument is, Japan is doing better than Australia when it comes to dealing with Japan's neighbour, China," he said.

"My simple answer is — no way."

"Australia, Japan, United States, like-minded countries have to get together, join forces to address these challenges caused by the rise of this emerging power."

"So, don't worry. You know, you are doing an excellent job. We are in the same boat and we should work together," Mr Yamagami said.

He also argued that Australian policy-makers should pay closer attention to the East China Sea, which lies between Japan and China.

"I foresee that we will need to deepen communication and cooperation regarding this body of water," the ambassador said.

Australian, American and Japanese warships have conducted several joint exercises across the region, but Australia has been more heavily focussed on the South China Sea where China and several Southeast Asian nations have competing claims.

However, tensions are also rising between Beijing and Tokyo in the East China Sea, with Chinese coast guard vessels repeatedly sailing into waters off the disputed Senkaku Islands.

The Ambassador said the situation was "by no means unrelated to Australia" because the East China Sea was another crucial shipping route for Australian goods.

He said that Australia and Japan should contemplate holding more military exercises or joint intelligence gathering operations in the Sea, pointing out that Australian and Japanese ships had already worked together in the region to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea.

"The East China sea is just as crucial for Australia's security and economic interest as the South. Both are a lifeline for us," Mr Yamagami said.

"Any unilateral attempt to challenge the status quo by a force or a coercion in these seas will inevitably impact upon our prosperity."

Defence agreement in 'final stage'

He also said that negotiations for the long-awaited Reciprocal Access Agreement between Australia and Japan – agreed in principle last year by prime ministers Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga – were now in their "final stage."

The landmark defence agreement was long delayed over concerns about legal protections for Australian troops in Japan, and will allow joint access to both militaries, and make it easier for both countries to streamline military and humanitarian operations.

Mr Yamagami also repeatedly brushed off questions on whether Japan would like Australia to take more urgent action on climate change, saying Japan was "not here to lecture but to cooperate."

Japan is Australia's largest coal customer but has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and is pressing ahead with plans to shut down older, more polluting coal stations.

The ambassador would not be drawn on whether the Morrison Government should commit to a firm timeframe for reaching net zero, simply saying that all countries should work together to embrace renewable energy.

Story By | Stephen Dziedzic


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