This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6388557.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Cheney hails Australia over Iraq US concern over Chinese build-up
(30 minutes later)
US Vice-President Dick Cheney has praised the Australian government for its staunch support for US-led operations in Iraq. US Vice-President Dick Cheney has expressed concern over China's military policies, saying they were at odds with the country's stated peaceful aims.
Speaking in Sydney, he thanked Prime Minister John Howard, who he said had "never wavered in the war on terror". On a visit to Australia, he praised China's role in a nuclear deal with North Korea but criticised its military build-up and anti-satellite tests.
Mr Cheney also urged caution against blindly trusting North Korea's promise to disarm, and concern about China's military build-up. Mr Cheney also thanked Australia for its support for US operations in Iraq.
Protesters have been massing in Sydney to rally against Mr Cheney's visit. Australian PM John Howard is facing opposition on the issue, and there have been protests over Mr Cheney's visit.
Three people were arrested during scuffles on Friday, and at least seven were arrested after similar scenes on Thursday. The US vice-president commended Chinese leaders for their role in six-party talks with North Korea, which resulted in a landmark agreement on 13 February committing Pyongyang to shut down key nuclear facilities.
Withdrawal dangers "The Chinese understand that a nuclear North Korea would be a threat to their own security," he said.
Mr Cheney said Australia had won global recognition for its efforts to fight terrorism. Prime Minister Howard and the nation he serves has never wavered on the war on terror Dick Cheney
There have been scuffles between police and anti-war protesters However, he added that "other actions by the Chinese government send a different message".
"The United States appreciates it, and the whole world respects you for it," he said in his only public speech of the three-day visit. He said China's destruction of an inactive weather satellite last month, as well as its "continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive, and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise".
He warned of the dangers of an early withdrawal of coalition troops from Iraq. Beijing has said the anti-satellite tests was for scientific purposes only, but many observers saw it as a demonstration of China's growing military power.
"We are determined to prevail in Iraq because we understand the consequences of failure," he said. Reassurance
"If our coalition withdrew before Iraqis could defend themselves, radical factions would battle for dominance of that country." Mr Cheney also questioned whether North Korea would abide by its commitments in the nuclear deal, saying the US was going "into this deal with our eyes open".
He also expressed concern that failure in Iraq would lead to more violence in the Middle East. He arrived in Australia on Thursday after visiting Japan - another key US ally.
"Having tasted victory in Iraq, jihadists would look for new missions" in Afghanistan and beyond, he said. China says it spent $36bn on its armed forces in 2006
Correspondents say he has sought to assure both countries that Washington remains committed to the Asia-Pacific region, despite problems in Iraq.
During his speech in Sydney, Mr Cheney praised Mr Howard, who he said had "never wavered in the war on terror".
The vice-president said Australia had won global recognition for its efforts to fight terrorism.
"The United States appreciates it, and the whole world respects you for it," he added.
Mr Cheney warned of the dangers of an early withdrawal of coalition troops from Iraq.
"If our coalition withdrew before Iraqis could defend themselves, radical factions would battle for dominance of that country," he said.
He also expressed concern that failure in Iraq would lead to more violence in the Middle East: "Having tasted victory in Iraq, jihadists would look for new missions".
Under pressure
Australia currently has about 1,450 military personnel based in Iraq or involved in Iraq-related operations.Australia currently has about 1,450 military personnel based in Iraq or involved in Iraq-related operations.
Mr Howard - who faces an election battle this year - is under strong domestic pressure to announce a withdrawal of Australian forces. There have been scuffles between police and anti-war protestersMr Howard faces an election battle this year and is under strong domestic pressure to announce a withdrawal of Australian forces.
An opinion poll earlier this week suggested that more than two-thirds of Australians want Mr Howard to announce a date for withdrawing troops or to order an immediate pull out.An opinion poll earlier this week suggested that more than two-thirds of Australians want Mr Howard to announce a date for withdrawing troops or to order an immediate pull out.
But Mr Howard has instead offered to send an additional 70 military advisers to help train the Iraqi army.But Mr Howard has instead offered to send an additional 70 military advisers to help train the Iraqi army.
Protesters gathered in Sydney to rally against Mr Cheney's visit.
Three people were arrested during scuffles on Friday, and at least seven were arrested after similar scenes on Thursday.
Mr Cheney is scheduled to hold talks with Mr Howard on Saturday.Mr Cheney is scheduled to hold talks with Mr Howard on Saturday.
As well as Iraq, Afghanistan is expected to be high on the agenda, with Australia signalling it could commit more troops. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the recent deal with North Korea over its nuclear programme.
Mr Cheney mentioned the deal during Friday's speech, questioning whether the North would follow through on its commitments.
He also had cautionary words for China, saying that its recent destruction of a satellite with a missile and its continued military build-up were "not consistent" with Beijing's stated goal of a peaceful rise.
But he commended Chinese leaders for their positive role in helping secure the six-party nuclear deal with Pyongyang.