Japan will seek closer ties with Australia a day after Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard spelled out the country's foreign policy direction that would be geared towards riding on the rise of Asia as an economic power.

Besides seeking a new level of bilateral relationship between Tokyo and Canberra, Japanese Ambassador to Australia Shigekazu Sato will also identify the rise of China as a major security concern for the Asia Pacific region.

"The rapid expansion of China's military forces, its acquisition of power projection technologies, and an insufficient degree of transparency have all contributed to a sense of unease within the region regarding China's intention," The Canberra Times quoted Sato's speech to be delivered at the National Security Lecture at the University of Canberra on Friday.

While issuing the warning, Sato will also encourage China to play its proper role and responsibilities as a member of the international community.

He will push for improved security and defence strategies with Australia and the United States, while confirming the anticipated rise of the Asian Century.

"Recent years have witnessed a global shift in the balance of power, with the rise of emerging powers along with the relative challenge of influence of the United States.... Japan, given its proximity to the Asian mainland is, to use military parlance, almost front and centre to the global shift in power towards the Asia Pacific region," Sato will say.

To develop a strategy on how Australia could ride with the rise of Asia, Gillard ordered former Treasury head Ken Henry to prepare a white paper for discussion in the cabinet in early 2012.

Ahead of the mid-2012 release of the document, Trade Minister Craig Emerson said Australia is not worried about the rising power of China. Rather than get nervous, Australia would opt to deepen its relationship with China, Emerson said.

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