Reference News Network, July 20 report: The Hong Kong South China Morning Post website published an article titled "Australia Should Continue to Engage with China in Its Own Way" on July 18. The author is Suhail Ahmed. The article excerpts are as follows:
The significance of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's one-week visit to China cannot be overemphasized.
The bilateral relations had been damaged by intense trade disputes and mutual accusations, but since Albanese took office in 2022, the relationship has improved. This visit, occurring amid increasing geopolitical tensions, is a continuation of Albanese's efforts to strengthen ties with China and secure economic interests.
Considering that China is Australia's largest trading partner, Albanese understands the stakes of this trip. The economic growth of Canberra is closely linked to Beijing's economic growth. This trip seems to have been meticulously arranged, adhering to a pragmatic approach and the principle of mutual respect, avoiding language that could cause division.
The official Canberra acknowledged that "after increased exchanges between China and Australia, trade relations have seen positive progress, including the cancellation by China of trade restrictions on Australian exports imposed since 2020." During the visit, Albanese seemed to focus on trade diplomacy, Australia's economic opportunities, and the stability benefits brought by strengthening bilateral relations.
Albanese said in a statement that he will always conduct China-related engagements from the perspective of national interests.
In the context of the great power competition between the United States and China, formulating a more independent and balanced foreign policy is like walking a tightrope, especially for a middle power like Australia. But Australia should seize this opportunity to pursue a foreign policy that prioritizes its own interests.
Albanese's visit provides an opportunity to develop Australia-China relations and free itself from the constraints of great power rivalry and crisis management: expanding rather than reducing academic exchanges, promoting green technology cooperation, and fostering cultural diplomacy, which can create new channels of mutual dependence. Cooperation in these areas may serve as a stabilizer when friction occurs.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center showed that global public opinion toward China has improved amid the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy. Moreover, the proportion of Australians who have a favorable view of China has also increased. Albanese must convince more Australians to accept the concept of a multipolar world, where Canberra's alliance with the United States is important, but it is not the core feature of its foreign policy.
Strengthening Australia-China relations will test Canberra's resolve. However, Australia's greatest interest lies in demonstrating through actions that a balanced foreign policy, win-win cooperation, and economic interdependence determine its future. (Translated by Tu Qi)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529006550715744778/
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