China is changing dramatically and Australia needs a more comprehensive and coherent strategy to get along with it, according to a recent article entitled "We must learn to work with China" in the Australian newspaper May 19.
Since opening to the West, China has become a great global power, the article said. China is expanding its economic, political and military clout and is on track to become the largest economy.
Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China is investing in infrastructure in Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, the article said. Australia is not a formal signatory, but New Zealand is. Many other Asia-Pacific countries also welcome China's increased trade and investment. This is perhaps the most important aspect of China's expanding global interests.
China is the most important trading partner for every country in the region, the article said. The world is witnessing the rise of China, which will have far-reaching implications. But there is no sign that the United States, Japan, India and Australia really understand what is happening in the Indian Ocean-Pacific region, or respond with an effective strategy. Australia needs to engage with China, not contain it. China can be balanced by other powers, but not conquered.
China will continue to increase its participation in Asia-Pacific affairs, the article said. But America's future engagement with the region is questionable. Trump has a confused world view. His nativism and protectionism subverted decades of American orthodoxy. Trump has said he will reduce America's military presence in the region-and say it will increase. Similarly, the United States withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, but now intends to sign it.
Australia must plan its own route in the region, the article said. While the United States Union remains a fundamental pillar of foreign policy, Australia must put its interests first. The deterioration of relations between Australia and China at this challenging moment is shocking. Improving relations with China must be a priority.
Recently, Australian scholar Michael Wesley put forward a rational view: "our future will increasingly depend on Beijing, not Washington." We should maintain our alliance with the United States, but reshape it in the direction of ensuring the lasting role of the United States in the balance of power in Asia. "
Australia needs to be pragmatic in its relationship with its most important economic partners, the article said. Australia must accept China realistically. China is changing dramatically and Australia needs a more comprehensive and coherent strategy to deal with.
