Federal opposition deputy leader Tanya Plibersek has accused the government of playing a “zero sum game” in its approach to foreign policy with China and Japan.

Ms Plibersek says she was “dismayed” by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s tough talk on China.

“This has been a continuing theme in the government’s foreign policy,” the opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman said on Thursday, as she identified points of concern.

“This zero-sum game approach to our friendships in the region.

“(The suggestion) we needed to move away from one of our friends in the region to be closer to the other.”

The comments come as Prime Minister Tony Abbott praised Japan’s post-World War II efforts to be an “exemplary international citizen”.

Mr Abbott earlier told reporters in Perth that Ms Bishop’s statements reflected a “common sense position.”

Ms Bishop criticised previous governments for not speaking up against China for fear of causing offence.

“China doesn’t respect weakness,” she told Fairfax Media.