- The Strategist - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au -
Australia ticks strategic boxes in interesting times
Posted By Graeme Dobell on June 14, 2022 @ 06:00
Australia values a productive relationship with China. China is not going anywhere. And we all need to live together and, hopefully, prosper together.
China remains our largest trading partner. China’s economic success is connected to that of our region.
Australia’s approach will be anchored in a resolve to safeguard our national interest and our support for regional security and stability based on rules.
We will be steady and consistent, looking for avenues of cooperation where they exist while recognising China’s growing power and the manner in which that is reshaping our region.
In February, a PLA Navy ship directed a laser at an Australian P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, seriously endangering everyone onboard. And in the past few weeks, PLA fighters have conducted a series of dangerous intercepts of allied aircraft operating lawfully in the East China and the South China Seas. Now this should worry us all.
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URL to article: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australia-ticks-strategic-boxes-in-interesting-times/
[1] interesting times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_you_live_in_interesting_times
[2] brandish the ‘new’: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/rmarles/speeches/address-iiss-19th-shangri-la-dialogue-singapore
[3] ‘Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive’: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45518/the-french-revolution-as-it-appeared-to-enthusiasts-at-its-commencement
[4] meeting: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-12/chinese-and-australian-defence-ministers-meet-in-singapore/101146690?utm_source=sfmc%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b&utm_medium=email%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b&utm_campaign=abc_news_newsmail_pm_sfmc%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b&utm_term=%e2%80%8b&utm
[5] ‘an important first step’: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/rmarles/transcripts/press-conference-iiss-asia-security-summit-singapore
[6] speech: https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3059852/remarks-at-the-shangri-la-dialogue-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-a/
[7] paying $835 million: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-11/albanese-submarine-deal-with-france/101145042
[8] commit to rebuilding: https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/11/europe/france-australia-submarine-aukus-eu-trade-intl/index.html
[9] durian pact: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/durian-pact-five-power-defence-arrangements/
[10] ‘modern relevance’: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/south-east-asian-defence-pact-can-help-region-manage-tensions-members-say
[11] Japan: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/rmarles/media-releases/deputy-prime-minister-visit-japan