Opinion | Australia must re-engage with China to preserve its economic prosperity

Name: Australia and China cooperation too valuable for 'nonsensical' decoupling
Uploaded: 2020-07-07T01:00:05.000Z
Duration: 7 min 34 s
Description: Australia and China cooperation too valuable for 'nonsensical' decoupling

Australia can build areas of cooperation with China and work together on issues such as climate change, trade and disaster management

To really change the narrative, Australia must showcase the egalitarian values at the heart of the national character

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Australian beef is seen at a supermarket in Beijing on May 12. China’s suspension of imports from four major Australian beef suppliers is one of many challenges facing those who hope to reignite trade between the two countries. Photo: AFP

Kyri Theos

Published: 9:00am, 7 Jul 2020Updated: 9:30am, 7 Jul 2020

China and Australia are very different nations. Normally, we put our differences aside because of the overwhelming economic benefits, but now we are at a stalemate. China’s investment in Australia has dropped 60 per cent, faster than any other nation.

Recent reports of cyberattacks and political interference in Australia have exacerbated anti-China sentiment, feelings that were already soured by Covid-19, barley tariffs and the politics of Hong Kong.

In China, public opinion towards Australia has also turned negative. Australia’s call for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19 was poorly received. It reinforced a widely held view of Australia as a US lackey that has benefited from China’s growth.

China’s economy is reopening, and there are serious challenges for those of us seeking to reignite China-Australia trade. At the Australian Chamber of Commerce in West China, the situation is difficult and complex. We are trying to get back to business, but statements at senior levels continue to inflame tensions and strain the relationship.

How can we sustain a strong economic relationship in a tense political climate? Australia can look to Japan as an example. Despite historical and territorial grievances, Japan has managed to balance its economic relations with China and its strategic ties to the United States.

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Australia and China cooperation too valuable for 'nonsensical' decoupling

Japan provided significant aid to China at the outset of the pandemic, including masks and other personal protective equipment. This was warmly welcomed by the Chinese people, who took to Weibo and WeChat to praise the friendship between the two nations.