There Coming south -Take 2-

Canberra and Tokyo are set to sign a Joint Military Treaty. This will allow Japanese soldiers to train on Australian soil in such roles as Anti-terrorism, Humanitarian deployments and Peace keeping activities. The sentiment in Australia is generally a positive one although there are many who still remember WW2 and are less forgiving of Japan.

Apparently Japan and Australia have decided to draw up an action plan to strengthen cooperation on policies for North Korea and expand their joint drills in preparation for U.N. peacekeeping operations. ( Japan Times )

But Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has had to reassured China it has nothing to fear as Australia and Japan move towards establishing historic new defence ties.

But the prospect of Australia establishing closer military ties with Japan is likely to create concerns for China, which has had an increasingly fractious relations with Japan in recent years.

Mr Downer said China need not be concerned.

"We certainly have always said we have no policy of containment or isolation for China, quite the contrary," he said.

"We believe the more we engage China bilaterally, within our region and beyond, the better that is.

"There's no need for them to be upset. It's not directed at China." ( The Age ) although its interesting to note

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says a security agreement with Japan will not focus on aggressive military exercises.

It is expected the Prime Minister will sign the security declaration during a visit to Japan in March.

Mr Downer told Channel Nine it will not have treaty status and any joint military exercises will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster relief and peacekeeping.

"It's not a statement which is designed to... prepare for war," he said. ( BBC Australia)

Hmmmm it definatley makes you wonder.....