By: Alex Yuan
After four years of turmoil and bitter disputes between the two nations, new leaders of Australia, the Center-left government, rose to power last month. This fabricates a new chance to repair the relationship between the two countries. Leaders of both countries wanted to settle their bickering throughout the recent years over technology, trade barriers, allegations of illegal Chinese influence on Australian politics, and military plans. The two world powers ultimately decided to reach out, seeking reunion and harmony.
Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian believed that the reformation of Australia’s government was a fresh start for both sides, and that it was an “opportunity of possible improvement in our bilateral relations.” It seems that the two countries are finally starting to get along, slowly and steadily.
Xiao Qian remarked, “there is every reason for China and Australia to be friends and partners, rather than adversaries,” in a speech at the University of Technology Sydney. He was interrupted by protesters numerous times throughout the speech, calling for the Chinese government to Free Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. He later noted that, “the atmosphere in both countries needs to be improved, that’s a fact.”
Li Keqiang, China’s premier, congratulated Anthony Albanese on his recently acquired position as the prime minister. Mr. Albanese pledged for “sound and stable” relations with Beijing. He aspired to sustain top tier communications with China, who was Australia’s largest trading partner.
While there have been countless efforts of reconciliation, Australia would like to maintain its watch over China’s military growth and contest their own right to send navy ships through the South China Sea, where China has averred ownership of many islands also claimed by other Asian countries. Previously, Australia would never bat an eye at the Peoples Liberation Army, or PLA. They were backed by the most powerful country in the world, until recently. China has grown exponentially over the past couple of decades, rising to a global power militarily and economically. They could now threaten Australia’s access to international markets and energy sources, therefore making an immense impact on Australia’s economy itself.
Penny Wong, an Australian minister, has visited many Pacific Island countries with the mindset of advertising that Australia should be their “partner of choice,” and implied that China would not be associated with the pact. Additionally, China is quite attentive to Australia’s goods such as iron ore, as it is essential to China’s economy, and may pressure them into joining a new regional trade pact and eliminate anti-dumping investigations. The bilateral trade is mutually beneficial, due to China’s demand for raw materials such as iron, coal, and natural gas. China exports technology, everyday items such as clothing, and telecommunications equipment. Australia is also burdened by its goal of bringing detained Aussies in China back home.
This reconstruction is a work in progress, it will by no means be easy. Though Australia and China are working together to rebuild ties and relations, they still have countless obstacles to overcome, and many grudges to let go of.