【By Guan察者网, Liu Bai】In recent times, Sino-Australian relations have shown a warming trend. According to CCTV News, Australian Prime Minister Albanese stated that in recent years, Sino-Australian relations have made positive progress, and Australia highly values its relationship with China. However, at this moment, the former Australian Prime Minister Morrison, known for his dramatic behavior, has once again stirred up trouble, traveling to the United States to attend a hearing of an anti-China institution, making reckless remarks on issues related to China.

At the hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives' Special Committee on China on July 23, he not only recklessly exaggerated the notion that Western countries were asleep when facing the so-called Chinese "security threat," but also urged Western countries to be prepared to bear economic costs to resist China. This former prime minister did not reflect on his previous misconduct towards China, but instead referred to China's countermeasures as "hitting a chicken to scare the monkeys." His arrogant attitude and irrational statements are astonishing.

During Morrison's tenure, China had already warned Australia that the difficult situation in Sino-Australian relations was entirely due to Australia. The immediate priority is for Australia to face the root causes of the deterioration in bilateral relations, seriously consider whether it views China as a partner or a threat, and genuinely adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equality, and the spirit of a comprehensive strategic partnership, to handle bilateral relations, doing more things that help enhance mutual trust and promote practical cooperation between the two countries.

After so many years, China's advice still hasn't been heeded by Morrison.

It is rare for former government leaders to provide testimony at the U.S. Congress. Morrison claimed that he attended this time as an individual.

Morrison attending a U.S. Congress hearing, screenshot from video

At the hearing, Morrison cited a recent survey conducted by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute. The survey showed that compared to 2021-2022, during which Morrison was in office, the Australian public's perception of China has significantly improved, with the proportion of respondents viewing China as an "economic partner" increasing by 17 percentage points, while the number of people seeing China as a so-called "security threat" dropped by 16%.

This result clearly reflects the warming trend in bilateral relations since the change of the Australian government.

It is absurd that Morrison mentioned this survey not to reflect, but out of frustration, putting forward a bizarre view: the vigilance of Australians against the so-called "Chinese threat" has clearly weakened over the past three years.

He claimed that this is the "goal" of China, letting the West "sleep through the threat."

He told American legislators that China deliberately used Australia, a key U.S. ally, as a "negative example," warning other countries through "punishing Australia."

He also boldly claimed that his government chose to "stand firm rather than yield or appease" under Chinese pressure, and he felt "proud" of it, urging other country leaders to follow suit.

He subtly promoted the idea that "never be complacent about potential threats, and must remain vigilant."

Morrison gave no praise to the current government led by Albanese for improving relations with China. He claimed that dialogue and engagement are good, but if one believes this can "change China's strategic thinking," it is just "self-deception."

He kept repeating the rhetoric of China's so-called "charm offensive," and didn't forget to shift blame, attributing the deterioration of Sino-Australian relations to China.

This stubborn former prime minister still feels no shame for the impact on Australian farmers due to the strained relationship with China, insisting that he did the right thing and adding that "some losses are necessary."

But ultimately, this "old hand" politician is still timid. After self-praising, he only wants his so-called "allies" to support him: if you are enduring these pressures together with your allies, you will be more confident, and your allies must also step up.

In 2018, Morrison succeeded the resigned Turnbull and became the Prime Minister. In 2019, Morrison was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Party and began a four-year term as Prime Minister.

During his tenure, the relationship between Morrison's government and China, Australia's largest trading partner, was particularly tense. In April 2020, Morrison made negative comments about China regarding the pandemic, causing strong dissatisfaction from both the Chinese public and government, leading to a low point in Sino-Australian relations, and affecting bilateral trade.

In foreign and security policy, the Morrison government took a hard stance toward China, using the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" with the United States as a strategic cornerstone, vigorously promoting the Quad with the U.S., Japan, and India, and in 2021, signed the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement with the U.S. and the UK, attempting to establish an exclusive "small circle" to encircle China in the region.

July 13, Shanghai: Albanese walks along the Bund with Kevin Muscat, the head coach of the Shanghai Port Football Club, a former Australian international. Visual China

However, this time, Morrison went to the United States to perform energetically. Does his American "big brother" appreciate it? Actually, not necessarily. After all, recently even U.S. media have admitted that under the strong power and countermeasures of China, the Trump administration has begun to adjust its policy toward China, "lowering its stance," and some hawkish politicians have started to "lose power."

Politicians like Morrison will eventually be crushed by the wheels of history.

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Albanese had just completed an official visit to China, which was his second visit to China as Prime Minister. Strengthening Sino-Australian economic and trade cooperation was the core agenda of Albanese's visit. Before departing, he explicitly stated, "Relations with China mean creating jobs for Australia, that's it."

Albanese said on the 13th in Shanghai that China and Australia should "deal with each other in a calm and consistent manner." He said, "We hope to continue pursuing national interests, and maintaining good relations with China aligns with our interests."

Australian media also gave high praise for this visit. Australian media pointed out that the current Australian government has adopted a more balanced approach in handling Sino-Australian relations and has sent a clear signal to the outside world: the current government will take a more independent diplomatic line, no longer fearing to offend the United States as it has done in recent years.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that under the leadership and joint efforts of the leaders of the two countries, Sino-Australian bilateral relations have continued to improve and develop. "The Chinese side is willing to use this visit as an opportunity to enhance mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and push Sino-Australian relations forward."

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530863816450163251/

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