OPINION: Canberra’s decision to draw a line with Beijing sooner rather than later has paved the way for a stabilisation of relations.
, who responded to a new set of four conditions from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi by saying: “Australia doesn’t respond to demands.”Resuming dialogue without compromising any policy settings means the Australian government has gained the upper hand diplomatically.
The strategic continuity is clear. It shows the difficult decisions taken in recent years were important to ensure future governments didn’t have to make even harder and more disruptive decisions.Bigger tests lie ahead. For example, China desperately wants to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, andthat the Australian government should compromise in this area.
As Wong has said, Australia should continue to identify ways of “stabilising” the bilateral relationship. This can and should occur without Australia ignoring the impact of China’s international behaviour. Australia has appreciated international support during our period facing coercion and, even in a more stable relationship, we should continue supporting states, such as Lithuania, that face coercion merely for making sovereign decisions.
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