【By Observer Net, Liu Bai】
Australia has been increasingly frustrated with the United States, not only regarding the growing pressure of tariffs, but also because the US is trying to drag Australia into the sensitive issue of the Taiwan Strait, despite even the US itself not being willing to clearly commit to it.
On the other hand, the momentum of Sino-Australian relations continues to rise. Australian Prime Minister Albanese's second visit to China since taking office has drawn much attention, with all parties expecting cooperation between China and Australia in areas such as trade and green energy.
The contrast between the cold and warm sides of the Pacific has been felt by Australian media.
"You have to be amazed by the audacity of the United States," the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) published articles on July 13 and 14, strongly criticizing the US for pressuring on the Taiwan Strait issue, accusing the US of becoming a new "troublemaker" in the region, forcing Australia to make difficult choices. Especially when the pressure from the US was announced just as the Australian prime minister was visiting China, few would think it was a coincidence. This move aims to disrupt the process of improving Sino-Australian relations and seize the public opinion spotlight from Albanese's visit to China.
ABC also mentioned that in the context of an uncertain international environment, the Chinese government is welcoming Albanese's visit with a red carpet, and it is entirely reasonable for the Australian prime minister to visit China before meeting Trump, as China is more important than Trump at the moment.
"China is more important than Trump now"
In a commentary article published on July 14, ABC pointed out that under Trump's leadership, the United States is abandoning foreign aid and multilateralism. In this context, it seems that China is destined to replace the United States in global leadership in terms of trade, energy production methods, and even in "soft power" or moral leadership.
In the automotive industry, China is defeating the American and European automobile industries with vehicles that are of higher quality, better design, and lower prices, and it is almost certain that it will do the same in all other high-tech products such as robots.
The article stated that it is entirely reasonable for Prime Minister Albanese to visit China again before his first meeting with Trump. Because now, China is more important than Trump.
July 13, Shanghai, Albanese was seen walking on the Bund with former Australian footballer and head coach of Shanghai Port Football Club Kevin Muscat, while giving an interview. Visual China
ABC had previously noted that the Australian government has expressed its intention to further cooperate with China in the field of green energy. For Australia, climate change is one of the government's top priorities, especially in the context of efforts to fulfill its own emission reduction commitments.
Expert Wang Han (Caroline Wang) from the think tank "Clean Energy Finance" said that in many areas of energy transition, China leads the world by an "astonishing margin."
"70% of electric vehicles and 80% of solar panels worldwide are produced in China," she said in an interview with ABC, stating that China is an indispensable partner for Australia in the energy transition. "According to data from May this year, the amount of new renewable energy capacity added in China within two days is equivalent to the entire 2024 of Australia."
"China is showing friendliness, while the US is applying pressure; the world seems to have turned upside down."
Notably, a piece of news disclosed by the UK Financial Times right before Albanese's arrival in China added some troubles for Australian officials.
The news stated that the Pentagon is urging Japan and Australia to clearly state what role they will play if a conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait. This move has left Japanese and Australian officials feeling frustrated and shocked, as the US itself has not made any unconditional commitment.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy responded on the 13th, saying that Australia will refuse any requests from the US to participate in hypothetical conflicts with China and will not make any commitments in advance.
"You have to be amazed by the audacity (chutzpah) of the United States," ABC said directly, stating that the president himself is the embodiment of "unreliability and unpredictability," yet he is asking Australia to make clear commitments about conflicts that have not happened yet.
"It's like in a marriage, one party demands the other to solemnly promise never to leave, while keeping the right to leave at any time themselves," the article wrote.
"This sounds like a bad, even toxic relationship."
After all, Trump cannot even maintain consistency on the current Ukraine battlefield, let alone make preparations for a potential Taiwan crisis. ABC said that the sudden suspension of military aid to Ukraine and then resuming it perfectly illustrates the chaos and unpredictability of the current US foreign and defense policies, which raises concerns about their implications for the region.
"Australia is no longer as afraid of offending the US as it used to be."
At this uncertain time, the Chinese government is laying out a red carpet, warmly welcoming Albanese's visit.
July 12, Albanese arrived in Shanghai by plane. Visual China
The report stated that Albanese said in Shanghai on the 13th 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."
ABC said that in the past, such diplomatic language might have seemed dull and uninteresting. But this time, it appears particularly meaningful, especially considering the US's behavior, which lacks any "calm and consistent" approach.
Australian media sighed: The world seems to have turned upside down. China, once viewed as the biggest potential regional geopolitical rival, is now showing friendliness, acting as a "mature" trading partner; while our real allies are demanding us to make commitments, yet unwilling to make the same commitments themselves. Isn't that embarrassing?
Analysts say that over the past decade, discussions about China in Australia were mainly dominated by the so-called "national security" perspective, which was largely due to China's increasing military presence. However, the messages released by Albanese before this visit indicate that Australia is shifting towards trade links and civilian exchanges.
The article stated that Australia is adopting a more balanced approach in handling Sino-Australian relations and also sends a clear signal to the outside world: this government will take a more independent line in foreign affairs, no longer fearing to offend the US as it did in recent years.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated on July 8 that Albanese's visit comes at a time when the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership is entering its second decade. Under the guidance of leaders of both countries and through the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-Australian relations have continued to improve and develop. China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and promote the development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
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