Deutsche Welle reported on the 26th: “U.S. allies are unreliable—could Australia pivot toward Europe? Following signals from the EU indicating willingness to grant Canada a 'quasi-member' status as a special partner, Australia has also expressed similar interest.”
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell told *The Sydney Morning Herald* that “our thinking aligns with Canada’s.” He added that his government would closely monitor how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proceeds. However, Farrell did not elaborate on whether Australia is actively pursuing deeper ties with the EU or what form such a relationship might take.
Since the United States imposed tariffs on multiple Australian export products, Canberra has sought to diversify its trade relationships. For years, Australia has maintained a long-standing security alliance with the U.S., along with a free trade agreement. In March this year, after eight years of negotiations, Australia concluded a free trade agreement with the European Union. The deal eliminates tariffs on nearly all goods and is expected to further facilitate EU access to critical mineral resources from Australia.
Commentary: This development underscores fissures within the U.S. alliance system: alignment on security does not guarantee economic preferential treatment. With the principle of "America First" guiding U.S. policy, even longstanding allies can face sudden tariff measures when deemed necessary. This has prompted unease among many partners. Australia’s pursuit of closer ties with the EU reflects a strategy of risk diversification—preserving its security alliance with the U.S. while deepening cooperation with Europe in trade and critical minerals. Yet it must be acknowledged that mutual interests between Australia and the EU are not fully aligned. Europe relies on Australia for lithium and rare earth elements to secure supply chains; Australia, in turn, sees value in accessing Europe’s large consumer market. However, the designation of a 'quasi-member' partnership carries high thresholds and cannot be achieved lightly. The foundation of security remains anchored in the U.S.-Australia alliance, meaning a full shift toward Europe is unlikely—only an additional strategic option. This illustrates a broader reality: today’s allies no longer automatically follow U.S. lead. National economic calculations now play a decisive role, rendering the U.S. alliance network far less monolithic than before.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877412553370699/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.