SYDNEY — Closer defense ties between Japan and Australia should not raise concerns in regional superpower China, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Tuesday, after sealing a major free trade and security deal with Tokyo.
Canberra and Tokyo struck the agreement Monday to enhance trade and security ties, including joint development of defense equipment, elevating the bilateral relationship to a new level.
Abbott told national radio in Australia that he was taking no side in territorial disputes between China and other nations, and the growing relationship with Japan did not target anyone else.
“It’s not against any specific country and as far as I am concerned — as far as just about every country is concerned — what we want to see is more democracy, more freedom, more respect for the rule of law,” he said when asked about China.
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