And as Cheney traveled to Asia, on a trip aimed at shoring up support among allies considered crucial to U.S. interests around the world, his reception was, well, not all that warm. In the days before his arrival, Japan's defense minister, Fumio Kyuma, branded the Iraq war a “mistake.” Touching down in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon, Cheney was greeted with the sight of a large truck cruising the blocks surrounding the U.S. Embassy blaring a message through a loudspeaker: “Yankee Go Home!”

Vice President Dick Cheney said Friday that China's recent anti-satellite weapons test and a rapid military buildup were "not consistent" with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power.

Speaking in Sydney, Cheney also expressed wariness about North Korea's commitment to a landmark deal announced last week on ending the country's nuclear programs.

As anti-war demonstrators clashed with police outside the hotel where Cheney was speaking, the vice president also expressed gratitude to Australia for sending troops to the Iraq war, which he said must be won or terrorists would be emboldened worldwide.

¶ 5:26 PM