It is time for Australia to accept the reality of the rise of China and a resurgence of Russia.

Chas Freemans lengthy article The Sino-American Split and its Consequences is of substantial interest. It is true that, if the United States does treat China like an enemy, then it will become one.

I consider that, notwithstanding Australias long tradition of supporting United States regional policies, Australia should certainly NOT follow the U S down its present dangerous path. Australias national interest now lies in avoiding any opposition to the present realities of a rising China and a resurgent Russia.

China now sees the South China Sea region as an area in which its dominant influence must be acknowledged globally. At the same time, it should also be recognised that no ship carrying trade to Australias north, has been stopped or intercepted by Chinas Navy.

The United States maintained that the area around Hawaii should be acknowledged as an area in which American influence would be dominant. Indeed, if the Chinese Navy encircled Hawaii, Washington would have made its criticism very clear. Australia should now endeavour to ensure that both China and Russia are well aware that Australias approach to the major changes now underway in China and Russia is completely different from that of the United States.

This post was originally published on 24 June 2019