Australia-China relations: A question of trust

March 20, 2025

Jocelyn Chey’s comment on Australia-China relations published in P&I on 20 March is among the best I have seen on the subject. I found myself in agreement with every word, but would like to draw attention to two points specifically.

One is the importance of trust in the relationship. Some specialists say trust does not matter in bilateral relations, what matters is interests and practicality. While this is quite rational in terms of a “realist” international relationship, the human element is, for me, what makes a relationship special. Personally, I look back on and value friendships and cultural exchanges.

My second point is the reference to Wang Yi’s speech. I thought his points were useful, non-confrontatiional, and non-hegemonic. What I like about the Chinese approach is the emphasis on win-win relationships. We can both profit from mutual dealings. It doesn’t have to be “I lose only if you win”. I react very badly to Trump’s telling the world the US has been ripped off by everybody, when it seems to me that, over history, the US is the country that has ripped others off. China isn’t a threat to others, over history they have been more victims than perpetrators.