The war between Russia and Ukraine is not going away soon with Russia stepping up its combat and in particular a confrontation with the US air force. The recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia portrays the friendly relationship between China and Russia and a hope for a peaceful talk on the war between Russia and Ukraine through an “independent” third party.
The western countries do not accept China as a neutral party and do not see a common ground for peaceful talk. But China is to show her muscle in the international playing field, and western countries are no longer to dictate in world order. The world is in a process of adjustment. Australia should be mindful of the changes.
Despite the AUKUS military pack, our Defence Minister Richard Marles just clarified that Australia is not obliged to take part in any military conflict between China and US on the Taiwan issue; although he did not rule out anything. Still, it was a good gesture to China. Former PM Keating pointed out AUKUS could not bring on any extra protection to us if China is not going to attack Australia. We need to think harder on why Australians see China as a threat even though the chance of a remote attack from China seems so low.
Latest polls tell support for AUKUS is on the decline. If Australians have reservation on the military alliance with the UK/US then how should we face up with China’s growing military power in the South Pacific and East Asia regions? Chinese in Australia must be in a crossroad.
I think many Chinese Australians cannot deny a mainstream temperament that China is non-friendly to Australia. Most Australians have little knowhow on Chinese culture and history thus cannot tell whether we can make peaceful partnership with China. We must educate Australians on this for them to make a better informed judgment on the threat if any coming from China.
Mr. Raymond Chow, Publisher