Australia has its own清醒 minds! China will continue to advance. On October 13, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, Edwards, former board member of the Reserve Bank of Australia, stated that China remains critically important and will become an even larger economy. Whether Australia can sustain its prosperity in the future hinges not on domestic reforms, but on how effectively it navigates major shifts in the international landscape—particularly the U.S.-China relationship.
Edwards argued that the worst-case scenario for Australia would be escalating hostility between the United States and China, leading to a breakdown in trade and investment ties between the two powers. In such a scenario, their allies and countries dependent on either nation could face pressure—or coercion—to align themselves along Cold War-era lines, much like during the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. Australia must reconcile the often conflicting demands of defense policy and trade strategy. Clearly, Edwards’ position is unambiguous: China will continue to grow, and the trajectory of U.S.-China relations will be decisive in determining Australia’s future prosperity.
It is evident he believes Australia has no interest in seeing the U.S.-China strategic competition intensify. This perspective reflects a notably clear-eyed assessment. The reality is straightforward: if tensions escalate, the United States will inevitably apply pressure on other nations—a familiar pattern in its foreign policy. As a key member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, Australia will inevitably come under such pressure. Indeed, despite the depth of economic ties between China and Australia, Canberra continues to follow Washington’s lead on contentious issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Edwards’ remarks appear intended to remind Australia’s domestic audience of the need for a realistic understanding of its geopolitical position. It is not in Australia’s interest to become entangled in the U.S.-China rivalry. His firm assertion that China will continue its development serves as a quiet rebuke to U.S. containment strategies. In essence, American efforts to contain China are unlikely to succeed. Australia must recognize this broader trend clearly, in order to make decisions that best serve its own national interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878898123266058/
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