Furthermore, Beijing retaliated against Australia by using diplomatic and economic pressure after Canberra demanded an independent inquiry into the coronavirus’s origins. Canberra also expressed worries about Xinjiang and Tibet human rights conditions, as well as the Chinese crackdown on the demonstrators in Hong Kong. As a result of Australia’s declining opinion of China, the ties reached their lowest point when China enumerated 14 grievances.Source: The Diplomat
When Canberra chose to join the Aukus security alliance, which amounted to a significant defence upgrading, tensions increased even further. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance unites the United States and Australia. China sees Aukus as a tool to take it on in the Indo-Pacific area. Australia’s general public still views China as a regional security threat. These worries have been exacerbated by China’s security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
Beijing has also taken note of the strengthening strategic and defence cooperation between the US and Australia, particularly Canberra’s pledge to purchase long-range weapons. Australia now has access to nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines thanks to Aukus. In theory, Canberra will be able to attack enemies from a distance for the first time. All in all, Canberra is playing catch-up while continuing to be a minor player in the Anglosphere. The question is whether the recent Beijing meeting between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will mark a change in the two leaders’ relationship. Years of animosity notwithstanding, there are encouraging indications of progress. Australia understands the significance of addressing the finer points of the relationship beyond broad methods and narratives, given that a substantial 5.5% of its citizens are of Chinese heritage.
Certain obstacles in the commerce area have been resolved. Certain import restrictions on Australian timber, barley, and coal were lifted by China. It’s possible that in the near future, Chinese markets will once again see Australian wine and lobsters. China is the sixth-largest foreign investor in Australia and its biggest trading partner, making about 32% of all commerce. Australia sends 21 per cent of its coal to China. Australia’s economic security may be in jeopardy due to China’s plan to become carbon-neutral. Therefore, there appears to be a lot of room for Australia and China to work together on green energy projects. There are still disagreements between the two on China’s intention to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Since some members are hesitant to allow China, any move in this situation will need the unanimous approval of all members, which seems implausible at this moment.
Source: South China Morning Post
There is also a good chance that a yearly dialogue will take place. The two countries’ relationship is dominated by economics. Australia finds itself in a situation where it must deepen both its economic and strategic connections with China and the United States. But Australia can’t just consider China a potential market for its wine and lobster. That is not all there is to it. Even though China used to be a wolf-warrior nation, the relationship is still far from normal. Both are exploring novel approaches to mending past scars. Trust but verify was President Biden’s parting advice prior to Prime Minister Albanese’s travel to China. The recent summit between Albanese and Xi Jinping has raised some hopes for the future, even though the issues still need to be resolved. As pragmatic Prime Minister Albanese stated, We need to cooperate with China where we can and disagree where we must ” in light of the difficult path ahead. Even while the rhetoric has cooled, concerns still exist. Both parties exercise caution, understanding that ice thaws gradually.
The likelihood of Canberra-Beijing ties improving appears to increase if Washington-Beijing relations become less antagonistic. Australia must carefully weigh its obligations to the US as a strategic ally against its alliances with the US, Japan, the UK, France, Germany, and Pacific Island nations like Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. Quad is currently aiming for more precise results. These issues have surfaced in more recent Australian foreign policy white papers. There is still reason for anxiety in the relationship because of China’s strong foreign policy. It will probably take a while to break through the relationship’s current stagnation. Whether China poses a security risk, is a more significant economic partner, or both is the matter at hand. Australia has to strike a balance between friction and connection. Instead of viewing China as it would like it to be, Australia must accept it for what it is.
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