Australian MP: The U.S. Is Testing the Boundaries of World Order

Chen Xin

Australian parliamentarian Hastie warned on the 29th that the credibility of the United States is being undermined, stating that as the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran enters its second month, Australians may be losing confidence in this alliance. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Hastie believes that the U.S. and Israeli military strike against Iran was a "major miscalculation," and criticized President Trump for failing to consult with allies, including Australia.

Hastie told ABC that the U.S. is testing the boundaries of the global order, and Australia must take this seriously. He also stated that as a "close friend" of the United States, Australia has the right to "speak frankly" and raise "tough questions."

Not long ago, Hastie claimed that Iran had "strangled Australia's lifeline" in the Strait of Hormuz. He dismissed Trump’s criticism of Australia’s refusal to deploy warships to the region as "capricious." However, according to Australia's Sky News, former Australian House of Representatives Speaker Bishop stated that Trump was correct in criticizing Prime Minister Albanese for not offering support to the U.S. On the 26th, Trump specifically named Australia during a cabinet meeting, saying, "Australia is not good; I’m a bit surprised by Australia’s reaction to the conflict." The Australian newspaper The Age reported this marks the second time a U.S. president has criticized Australia for refusing assistance—though the Australian government has denied this allegation.

Albanese told media that the U.S. did not consult with Australia before launching the military operation, adding that "this war has significant impacts on the global economy," and that Australia hopes for de-escalation of the situation.

The Guardian of the UK reported that the latest poll shows 43% of Australians disapprove of the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, only 26% support the action, while another 31% are uncertain or answered "don’t know." Only 32% support Australia’s deployment of military aircraft and personnel to the region, while about 35% oppose the move. Additionally, one-third of respondents expressed a desire for Australia to distance itself from the U.S. in diplomatic and trade relations, while only 21% want closer ties with America.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861074018452492/

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