譬如說
China
Angry China
現在澳大利亞總理碰到的是日本
Rudd soothes an angry Japan
THE Japanese Government was more concerned about Australia's criticism of whaling than Kevin Rudd's failure to visit Tokyo last month during his first major overseas trip.
While Tokyo was concerned about Mr Rudd's perceived closeness to China and his decision to visit Beijing last month, it paled against the dispute over whaling.
The Herald has learnt no serious damage has been done to the relationship and both sides are keen to use Mr Rudd's Tokyo visit next month to put things back on track.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith, will arrive in Japan today before Mr Rudd, who in turn will hold talks with the Prime Minister, Yasuo Fukuda, and may meet Emperor Akihito.
Mr Rudd is yet to speak to Mr Fukuda since winning the election in November. Japanese officials had tried to arrange a call between the two men for two days, but neither leader was available.
Many other world leaders, including those of China, the United States, Britain and Israel, phoned Mr Rudd in the aftermath of his victory.
Mr Rudd's visit to Japan was brought forward to the middle of next month following a flurry of speculation he had offended one of Australia's closest allies and biggest trading partners by not visiting Tokyo.
Mr Rudd is also scheduled to be in Japan in July at the Group of Eight Summit.
It has been learnt that his Government's approach to whaling caused the deepest offence. This included despatching the Australian Customs ship, Oceanic Viking, to pursue Japanese whalers to collect evidence.
The release of footage of whales being slaughtered and comments by the Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, that the activity was cruel and barbaric had angered Japan.
Also concerned about the rise of China, Japan is asking Australia for a guaranteed long-term supply of gas and coal.
The Opposition foreign affairs spokesman, Andrew Robb, said the Government needed to shed its perceived bias towards China.
"Since the election of the Rudd Government they have offended and confused the Japanese and damaged Australia's standing," he said.
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