Good old Julie!

Another lolly-water piece to strut her stuff.

Perhaps it might be a sort of megaphone diplomacy? But if she has anything useful to say perhaps it might be better to say it in private to the Chinese and Japanese counterparts.

I would suggest though that it may not be diplomatic to tell the two sides about the perils of national pride, or tell the Chinese not to underestimate Japan's military capabilities, especially if we remember that it was Billy Hughes' arrogance at Versailles in 1919 that gave the Shantung Province to Japan as a compensation for the loss of face. This afforded a legal bridgehead for the rising militarist Japan on Chinese soil that aided the invasion of Manchuria, the Rape of Nanking, the establishment of Unit 731 that experimented germ warfare with live Chinese subjects ...

On a tour last year the guide in Nanjing told us, an Aussie group, that they hated still the Japanese for their 1937 atrocities. No doubt we move in different circles, but I doubt if there is any need to tell the Chinese what the Japanese, in cahoots with the American empire since the War, is capable of.

Chek

I'll sleep much better tonight knowing that Auntie Julie has been busy helping China and Japan to solve their differences.

Yeah, knowing that Julie and Julia are both in the pockets of the Yanks shows to the world our ability to offer neutral advice to the Chinese and Japanese (or anyone else for that matter).

Of course, both of these nations have had extreme differences in the past. The Rape of Nanking comes to mind and people have long memories!

If Australia adopted a more neutral role in world affairs instead of its pathetic, cringing support for everything that the U.S. does no matter how criminal it is, its advice might be worth listening to.

Until that happens, Julie, keeping one's mouth closed might be the best strategy!

Yes, where was Julie's call for diplomatic restraint etc etc when her great champion of "freedom", namely the Lying Rodent, followed the USA all the way (no questions asked) into the illegal shock and awe invasion of Iraq.

Always a joy to compare and contrast the tone of Julie's measured comments to those of her detractors who resort to childish personal insults rather than a reasoned debate of the issues.
How about a challenge to those who have made negative comments on this blog?
Write a more authoritative article on the same subject with a similar word length, and those who come to this site for information can pass judgement on your efforts.
Julie is absolutely correct to warn both sides about miscalculation because that is what often leads to war, and particularly when both sides have a long history of hostility towards one another.
Personally, I find it reassuring that someone in government is taking a broad interest in world affairs because I am not confident that Bob Carr or Julia Gillard are doing so.

Jon Swift, Wars are caused by people interfering in other peoples business, and Julie Bishop does not have the offcial status or right to interfere in sovereign countries.
Iraq is an example, when you do!

Chek and Kipp,

Japan and China are close neighbours of ours. Of course their problems are our concern too. They are both large trading partners with our country.
Its not unusual for our representatives to have talks with leaders all around the world, so fail to see why you single Julie Bishop out over a visit and discussion with these two countries. It in is our interests too to keep us current on just where they stand at this moment. Also since when did the definition of discussion become "interference in other people's business?

As for your comments regarding America, in the event of a threat to our country, we would be only to happy to accept their help, just as England did during WW2. For some years they have been the only [often probably sometimes reluctant] superpower we have been able to turn to when help has been needed, and the collapse of the Soviet Union placed them in that position - they did not actively seek it. Imagine the cost they have incurred doing this.

To me it is quite obvious that we should offer our very small [by comparison] support to them in return when if or when it is required.

The attitude of all take and no give is surely the not the perspective any country should entertain. Please try and broaden your thinking, rather than use this thread as it exists to be used - for discussion, not as an opportunity to denigrate Julie Bishop.

JonSwift,

It is reassuring to hear that Julie Bishop has had these discussions. We need to be informed about all matters within our region, and without such dialogue we would remain unaware or prepared for consequences which would affect us too. reliant on only the various media for their opinions obtained secondhand, or which they dream up for good headlines