Chained to China: Economic Ties vs Political Stance

Thecats

Definately - we should be looking for new markets to buy & sell

cazter

Yes, I feel this is true.

Genie11

“How should Australia navigate this complex relationship?” Very carefully. We must stop trying to be everyone’s friend at the expense of what is best for this country of ours!! The ‘David and Goliath’ syndrome wreaks havoc with our psyche. We have to show that we know our worth (not monetary worth) and we have to stand by our values. We have to look to other markets for our goods, whatever they may be, and not be so reliant on the Chinese to keep filling our coffers. I fear the declining Chinese demand for our resources is going to be quite detrimental to our economy. Look what their ban on our wine and lobsters did!! Suddenly producers had to scramble around to find alternative buyers! These sort of new trade deals can take a very long time to set up . . . and in the meantime . . . ??? So in answer to this question, yes, we are far too dependent on China economically. We are being used and abused by China because we are afraid to be bold about our strengths and our worth!!

KennethS

Australia is far too economically dependent on China, when China sneezes, Australia gets a cold.
I would suggest you should read the comments by China's Ambassador to Australia about the proposal to take back the Port of Darwin from the Chines Company Landbridge by buying out their lease; talk about a veiled threat

The Chinese Communist Party is determined to have hegemony over our area of the SW Pacific and any criticism of China gets a hostile response. We are either a free sovereign nation or a vassal state, China wants us as the latter.
Back in the 1960s and early 70s our major trading partner joined the EEC, and our trade with Britain was replaced with new markets, we have done it in the past, and we would be smart to do it again, we must find new markets now, not when China plays hardball, and in this Australians can play their part by giving preference to home produced product, and from Nations that respect our right to hold our own views and speak up fearlessly when necessary to call out Countries that don't play fair; and China doesn't know how to play fair.

ab

Without studying where Australia’s revenue streams are coming from, the simple is, ‘I don’t know if we are too dependent on China.’ But if we are, then we should be looking to remedy that by selling our wares across the globe rather than just outside our front door.
‘To stand up to it politically?’ Can two people(s)/countries hold different political views but still play together? History would suggest ‘no.’ It seems humankind has developed the intelligence to know better but not the emotional maturity… regrettably, it seems, if you tell someone what you think, they get bent out of shape and all hell breaks loose. 😂
But isn’t that just one of the things all governments do? A balancing act leveraging economic ties while ensuring political autonomy? The challenge is in navigating geopolitical tensions without compromising national interests. You’ll recall what happened when Australia suggested the source of the Covid virus. good grief...

site77

Australia is economically intertwined with China, but not beholden to it. The country has demonstrated political autonomy, even at economic cost. However, its leaders must carefully balance economic interests and strategic values, especially as U.S.-China rivalry intensifies.

BCafeS15

Very difficult question. I think Australia should look for new markets and diversify away from China so that we’re not do reliant on it. We made our bed and now we must sleep in it.

Burnt Out Digger

Australia has to walk a very careful path her. China is a major customer of this country, but we should not subjugate our political independence to it or any other country

Danni30723977

Australia's economic relationship with China is indeed crucial, yet balancing trade with political values is a delicate task. Navigating this complex relationship should involve a strategic approach that prioritizes both economic interests and national principles. Australia could focus on diversifying its trade partnerships to reduce reliance on any single country, while actively engaging in diplomatic dialogue to address political concerns. Strengthening alliances with other nations and promoting regional cooperation can also help balance these priorities. Ultimately, a nuanced approach that respects both economic imperatives and political values will be essential in shaping Australia's future relationship with China.

KennethS

Australia's economic relationship with China is indeed crucial, yet balancing trade with political values is a delicate task. Navigating this complex relationship should involve a strategic...

China trade and relations with Australia is on Chinese terms, not on mutually agreed terms where we can speak out when we disagree. Fretting about or succumbing to economic and political coercion is not part of a relationship on mutually agreed terms. We either as a Nation have principles or we don't, we can't disagree with the actions of another country that we believe are wrong and overlook similar or worse behavior from a Nation like China or Russia.

khushi

Yes it is fully dependent and at this stage standing up to China politically has its grave risks? The previous liberal government tried it and failed miserably? But it is not only Australia but also USA and a majority of western countries in the same boat! The reason: simple greed? about a quarter of a century ago, most of the developed countries including Australia, started moving all their manufacturing to China because of the low wages there. But in this process, although they really made money and good profits, not only the quality of the manufactured goods was lost but also the local technical expertise was also sacrificed? I remember a 40 years old locally manufactured table fan passed on to me by a friend which was still working fine and worked for another 20 years before my grand children broke it? Compared to that, if you buy a similar Chinese made fan, which costs $10-15 has a legal one year warranty, promptly breaks down right on the 366th day! So unless the manufacturing of every day use products is brought back to Australia, there is no chance of us standing against China politically.

dee

There is too much reliance on China, make things in Australia.

Tuzy

Personally I think we are way too tied to China for our overseas sales. There should have been more control over what China was able to buy in this country. Too late now though.

mymonkey

Why do we have to depend on anyone, I think we have a good government to rely on

Ellessri

I'm more concerned with being able to stand up to the USA than China, though I do think we need to be more self sufficient and sell less of our resources to other countries

l0lapx

Australia is not at all economically dependent on China. We are too controlled and under the thumb of the USA for that.
We trade with China who has no strings attached, not like the USA. Pity so many are commenting after only listening to the USA propaganda we are fed on the 'idiotbox' and stupidfona. Try the Australian international info sites via OZ that track world trade etc, and see how much we trade with the USA compared to China $ How much China and USA trade with OZ. And Check who uses tariffs to control other countries USA or other countries.?
Also check to see who owns more of Australia? USA or China.

chickenman

Australia is definitely to reliant on China and how submissive our Politicians are.

jtmorri

No, I don't believe so. A lot more fairness is returning to the relationship since the Albanese government took office. China seemed to have a problem with the former Liberal government of Australia when they restricted wine, crayfish, barley and beef to name a few key exports. Trade with China remains important, however, Australian industries is finding new trade partners in South-East Asia and the EU also wish to increase trade with Australia. It is known worldwide that our produce is of a high standard. This diversification into other markets makes Australia less dependent on China and its economic performance impacting ours as much as in the past.

So, economic co-operation has improved with China and continues to be prioritised by the Albanese government as demonstrated by continued dialogue and meetings. Australia can now engage with China economically while ensuring national security and regional stability are maintained, such as Australia's strong AUKUS alliance defensively. Albanese flew to Indonesia to discuss both China and Russia's interest in the region and receive assurance that Australia is seen as the number one and preferred partner of Indonesia.

It comes down to diplomacy and language used. The Morrison government was always negatively warning about China and growing threat to Australia's security. The only thing that seems too sensitive to bring up with China is human rights. Also, the Australian government needs to be careful what they say around Taiwan and the Spratly Islands which allows them greater power in the region.

mare

Not sure