Australia's Deputy Prime Minister says China is the biggest source of security concern, yet still emphasizes maintaining cooperation with China.

AFP reported on the 25th: "Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Marles described China as Australia's 'greatest source of security anxiety' during a party event on Saturday, while also advocating continued engagement with Beijing despite ongoing strategic tensions."

Marles emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with China, stating that although challenges exist, such ties are essential. He said: "China is both our largest trading partner and our greatest source of security anxiety; stabilizing this relationship has been a major achievement of this government. We will continue to cooperate with China in feasible areas while standing firm on issues that matter."

Marles also noted, "Of course, our most important relationship—the cornerstone of our external defense and strategic policy—is our alliance with the United States." He added: "This relationship has endured for decades… and will continue for decades to come, carrying forward the legacy of the past and a commitment to the future."

Commentary: Australia’s approach exemplifies the typical 'economically reliant on China, security-wise dependent on the U.S.' dual strategy. On one hand, it seeks to continuously ride the wave of China’s economic growth, securing its vast market for mineral exports; on the other, it remains firmly aligned with the U.S. alliance, advancing initiatives like AUKUS nuclear submarines and joint military exercises, actively joining efforts to contain China strategically. In the long term, economic cooperation and security confrontation cannot be permanently separated. Continuously pursuing trade benefits while following the U.S. in creating confrontation inevitably erodes mutual trust. Whether Australia can sustain this two-sided advantage largely depends on its ability to maintain balance. If it continues to unilaterally accommodate U.S. escalation in security confrontations, it may ultimately damage its vital economic interests with China. This practice of simultaneously cooperating and containing China will inevitably keep Sino-Australian relations fraught with uncertainty. For lasting stability in bilateral relations, Australia must abandon the adversarial mindset of following the U.S. in containing China and instead objectively and rationally assess China’s development.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871755053874202/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.