RICK WALLACE
FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop threw Australia's support behind Japan's attempts to shift its military to a more "normal" defence posture in a speech in Tokyo yesterday.
Australia's backing for Japan's proposed move away from a purely defensive military runs the risk of sparking resentment in China, which retains deep suspicion of the hawkish Abe government's motives for such changes.
Beijing has already complained about the US, Australia and Japan "ganging up" on it over territorial disputes and is likely to take a dim view of Tony Abbott nominating Japan as Australia's "closest friend" in Asia.
Addressing the Japan National Press Club, Ms Bishop said Australia supported Japan being able to play a greater role in collective security missions with Australia or other allies.
"We look forward to Japan making a greater contribution to security in our region and beyond - including through our alliances with the United States," she said. "We support Japan's plan to work towards a more normal defence posture to help it play that greater role."
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