Tony Abbott criticizes China's 'values' in speech

FORMER prime minister Tony Abbott has taken a swipe at China, saying the communist nation does not share the same "values" as Australia.

Mr Abbott gave a speech in Tokyo last night said Japan and Australia have a "special relationship because it's not based simply on shared interests, but also on shared values".

In contrast, Mr Abbott said while Australia's "economy is more closely tied to China's than to any other, it's still an 'interests' partnership rather than a 'values' one".

"The challenge for all of us is to work to ensure that China better appreciates the rules based international order that's created the stability that's made China's new prosperity possible," he said.

But he said Japan's relationship with Australia showed former foes could become close friends.

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