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The abnormal normal of icy times with China
Posted By Graeme Dobell on December 2, 2019 @ 06:00
[I]t will be a relationship where we will need, on both sides, to work quite hard to manage what I really think will be enduring differences. Some points of difference may come and go and be able to be resolved, but other points of difference which go more deeply to the differences between our systems and our values are likely to endure. It should, therefore, not be surprising in my view that a relationship where there are points of difference, some of which are actively canvassed in the public domain—and whilst I don’t particularly like the term—is the ‘new normal’.
The choice for Australia is not the one we’re always being told we have to make—between America and China. It’s the choice between the status quo, a wilful complacency, on the one hand. And, on the other, taking action to preserve our liberties from Chinese intrusion and American unreliability.
Australia needs to concentrate on strengthening itself, making itself armour-plated against foreign subversion, so it can engage confidently with China and the world … Whenever Australia is asked to choose between China and America, the ultimate answer must be that we choose Australia.
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[1] new normal: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/china-relationship-will-face-enduring-differences-dfat-chief-20191024-p533qy
[2] icy: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/big-chill-china-australia/
[3] fifth China–Oz icy age: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/cold-winds-fifth-china-oz-icy-age/
[4] Senate estimates: https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22committees%2Festimate%2F0125ae23-e4e0-4cdb-b953-724251080439%2F0000%22
[5] ‘wake-up call’: https://www.smh.com.au/national/china-revelations-a-major-wake-up-call-20191124-p53dmx.html
[6] ‘takes seriously’: https://www.asio.gov.au/sites/default/files/Statement%20from%20Director-General%20of%20Security%20Mike%20Burgess%20-%2024%20November%202019.pdf
[7] Red flag: waking up to China’s challenge: https://www.quarterlyessay.com.au/essay/2019/11/red-flag
[8] challenge: https://www.smh.com.au/national/peter-hartcher-on-china-s-infiltration-of-australia-20191118-p53bly.html
[9] choice for Australia: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-real-china-choice/
[10] Kevin Rudd: https://theconversation.com/kevin-rudd-urges-australia-to-reduce-its-economic-dependence-on-china-127828
[11] ‘hits’: https://www.themonthly.com.au/blog/peter-hartcher/2019/28/2019/1574905888/what-does-china-want-australia
[12] Singapore to Sweden: https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/gia/article/from-singapore-to-sweden-china-s-overbearing-campaign-for-influence-is-forcing-countries-to-resist-and-recalibrate-relations-with-beijing?utm_source=Global-is-Asian+%40+Lee+Kuan+Yew+School+of+Public+Policy+List&utm_cam