The Australia-China relationship is at its worst since 1972, and this book explores the reasons for the deterioration and ways to reach common ground for the future. It is an attempt to offer understanding and explanations for the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties and explore the ways by which the two countries can reach some common ground for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Australia-China relations have reached their lowest point since 1972, when the two countries established diplomatic relations. Australia is considered a key ally of the United States in its efforts to contain China. This book is a collection of essays that aim to provide insights and explanations for the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties and explore ways to find common ground for the future. Despite their different pasts, can Australia and China work together to avoid a war between a rising China and the existing US hegemony?

Australia-China Relations at Their Lowest Point Since 1972

Australia-China relations have reached their lowest point since 1972, when the two countries established diplomatic relations. Australia is considered a key ally of the United States in its efforts to contain China. This book is a collection of essays that aim to provide insights and explanations for the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties and explore ways to find common ground for the future. Despite their different pasts, can Australia and China work together to avoid a war between a rising China and the existing US hegemony?

The US Perspective on Australia

The US sees Australia as its front-line ally in its fight to contain China. This perspective is based on several factors, including Australia's strategic location, its economic ties with China, and its historical relationship with the US. Australia's strategic location in the Pacific region makes it a vital partner in the US's efforts to maintain stability in the region. Its economic ties with China are significant, with China being Australia's largest trading partner. However, the US also views Australia's historical relationship with the US as a key factor in its relationship with China. Australia has been a close ally of the US since World War II, and the US has provided significant military and economic support to Australia over the years. This support has helped to strengthen Australia's position as a regional power and has contributed to its close relationship with the US.

The Deterioration of Sino-Australian Ties

Sino-Australian ties have deteriorated significantly in recent years. This deterioration has been driven by a range of factors, including trade disputes, territorial disputes, and political tensions. Trade disputes have been a major source of tension between the two countries, with Australia accusing China of unfair trade practices and China accusing Australia of protectionism. Territorial disputes have also been a source of tension, with China claiming sovereignty over a number of disputed territories in the South China Sea. Political tensions have also been a major factor in the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties, with China's growing influence in the region being seen as a threat to Australia's interests. The US has also played a role in the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties, with some US politicians and policymakers accusing China of being a threat to US interests in the region. This has led to increased tensions between the two countries and has made it difficult for them to find common ground for the future.

Exploring Ways to Find Common Ground

Despite the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties, there are still ways to find common ground for the future. One of the key ways to achieve this is through increased dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. This can be achieved through a range of mechanisms, including bilateral meetings, multilateral forums, and cultural exchanges. Bilateral meetings can provide an opportunity for the two countries to discuss their differences and find common ground. Multilateral forums can provide a platform for the two countries to work together on regional and global issues. Cultural exchanges can help to build understanding and respect between the two countries and can help to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Another way to find common ground is through the promotion of economic cooperation. This can be achieved through the signing of trade agreements, the promotion of investment, and the reduction of trade barriers. Economic cooperation can help to create jobs and promote economic growth in both countries, and can help to reduce tensions between the two countries. However, it is important to ensure that economic cooperation is fair and equitable, and that it does not benefit one country at the expense of another. Another way to find common ground is through the promotion of regional security. This can be achieved through the signing of security agreements, the promotion of military cooperation, and the reduction of military tensions. Regional security can help to reduce the risk of conflict between the two countries and can help to promote stability in the region. However, it is important to ensure that regional security is not achieved at the expense of human rights and democratic values. In conclusion, Australia-China relations have reached their lowest point since 1972, and the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties has been driven by a range of factors, including trade disputes, territorial disputes, and political tensions. Despite the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties, there are still ways to find common ground for the future. Increased dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, the promotion of economic cooperation, and the promotion of regional security are all key ways to achieve this. However, it is important to ensure that these efforts are fair and equitable and that they do not benefit one country at the expense of another. By working together, Australia and China can help to create a more stable and prosperous region for the future.

Weight: 409g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811991936
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023