Opinion | An unobscured fact: Cooperation benefits both Chinese and Australian people
By Augustus K. Yeung
The dominant theme of the third Belt and Road forum held in Beijing was Xi Jinping's advocate: "Advance high-quality cooperation!" The Chinese President fell short of spelling out that political antagonism and interference would bring global economic disasters.
Australia under the Scott Morrison administration affords a good illustration. He behaved subserviently more like a junior member of the Washington clique – rather than an independent leader of Australia.
When Washington's relations with China went sour, putting on his bullet-proved vest, Morrison was out bad-mouthing China, telling reporters that he was ready to defend Taiwan if…
When the wild fires were hitting Australia hard, Morrison was in Hawaii – holidaying and couldn't care less, making him looked like Nero, the ridiculous Roman emperor.
He even hid "classified studies" to misguide his countrymen and fervently launched an anti-China campaign.
The Australian people's verdict was slow but sure: They found out the facts. They got mad. And they kicked him out of office in the general election.
In retrospect, the Australian government has specifically conducted "classified studies" over the past eight years – regarding its ties with China.
Among other secrets, these "classified studies" could have wisely guided his administration. Morrison, however, chose to deceive his own people and serve his American master.
The Australian government has conducted three "classified studies" over the past eight years regarding its ties with China, the South China Morning Post recently cited sources as saying.
The conclusions of these non-partisan independent research reports are nearly unanimous in stating that Australia is "unlikely" to decouple from China.
In fact, even without the "classified studies," the mutually beneficial relationship between Australia and China, and the long-established framework of mutual interests, is evident.
Open statistics from Australia show that bilateral trade A$113 million ($71 million) in the second year of diplomatic relations in 1973. The bilateral goods trade exceeded US$220 billion in 2022, according to China's official data.
Such significant growth would be hard to achieve – without a basis of mutual benefit.
In terms of services trade, mainland Chinese students accounted for 25 percent, ranking first, of some 620,000 international students in Australia in 2022. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China was Australia's "largest and most valuable" inbound tourism market.
The "classified studies," open data, and the half-century of experiences all clearly demonstrate that cooperation benefits both China and Australia – and the essence of their relations is one of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
This emphasis will continue to be the mainstream in the bilateral relationship – as China has consistently viewed and developed the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, maintaining policy continuity and stability, and upholding the important position of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.
China opposes the politicization of economic and trade issues – and strives to find win-win solutions to concerns and disagreements in bilateral trade – through dialogue and communication.
China is committed to friendly exchanges and cooperation with Australia. This policy remains unchanged.
Looking at the overall trajectory of China-Australia relations over the past 50 years and the broader trends in the international political landscape – mutual respect and mutual benefit are the best ways to safeguard the interests of both countries.
The difficulties and setbacks of the past few years should not define the essence of the bilateral relationship – nor should they impede cooperation between the two countries. This understanding is simple and fundamental.
Currently, China-Australia relations are at an important stage of stabilization and improvement. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reached an important consensus – on continuing to develop the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership during their meeting in Bali, Indonesia last year.
Meanwhile, high-level interactions have increased mutual trust and generated positive expectations for bilateral relations.
In terms of mutual understanding, it is important to view each other in an objective, calm, and friendly manner. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that China and Australia are partners, not adversaries. For Australia, it is of particular importance to recognize that China's development is an opportunity, not a threat.
To safeguard mutual interests, it is key to promote China-Australia bilateral relations independently – free from third-party influence or interference.
A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interest of both countries and contributes to the peace, stability, and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
As long as both sides adhere to principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence, and seeking common ground while maintaining differences – China and Australia can jointly achieve sustained improvement and development of their relations, thus bringing more benefits to the two people. (Source: MPD/Xinhua)
In the third BRI forum in Beijing, Xi's recurrent theme was that international cooperation brings global economic growth, although he did not compare it to and contrast it with the failed case of Australia under Scott Morrison.
Note: Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton, the former minister of defense had abused power by omitting and twisting the facts uncovered in the "classified studies". For his covert and overt abuse of power, Morrison was punished.
In came Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong representing the pragmatic Labor Party. Their top priority is normalizing relations with China.
Albanese had a meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a Bali summit in Indonesia, immediately after winning the election. And bilateral relations have since been growing.
China recently confirmed that the two sides had reached a consensus – on resolving the issues "appropriately" regarding Australian wine.
"It's in Australia's interest to have good relations with China," Albanese told reporters at Australian Parliament House, adding that his visit to Beijing in early November has been confirmed.
An elated Albanese said he will meet with Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing and then attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
Did recalcitrant Scott Morrison anticipate that his downfall would contrast sharply with the rise of rival Albanese and that of Xi Jinping – who have chosen cooperation over confrontation?
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
To contact the writer, please direct email: AugustusKYeung@ymail.com
Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:
Opinion | President Xi: When China does well, the world will get even better
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