1. The Sydney Morning Herald
Back in 1989, Professor Ross Garnaut handed Bob Hawke's government a far-sighted vision of Australia's future in Asia, one predicated on closer and deeper ties with north-eastern Asia. It was remarkably prescient and quite radical for its time. … Sadly, this generation of politicians barely stirs the flies, let alone the masses. The same goes for the latest report on Australia's future in Asia, which has some admirable goals, but lacks a pulse … the report is festooned with notions of forging "stronger", "deeper" or "broader" cultural and diplomatic relationships. … Becoming part of Asia is not an option; it has already happened. This report lacks ambition; it is describing the here and now. (Sydney)
2. China Daily
Given Asia's rising significance in the world's economic and security landscape, it is no surprise that the biggest country in the Southern Hemisphere seeks to benefit more from Asia's economic and social progress. … Given China's rising role in the region and its growing economic ties with Australia, it is also not surprising that China features prominently in the white paper, entitled Australia in the Asian Century. The new document reflects a more mature perspective toward China's development… saying Australia supports China's participation in the region's strategic, political and economic development. But Canberra needs to do more to translate the positive signals toward China in its new document into action. (Beijing)