Editorial | Alienating China is not in Australia’s interest
- Canberra needs to work harder to resolve and reconcile its internal conflicts over relations with China, and to improve understanding with Beijing
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement sounded a rare positive note in deteriorating China-Australia relations. Both countries signed up for the world’s biggest free-trade area at a time when they could not agree on much else.
But hopes of an early settlement of their escalating bilateral trade and political disputes were soon dashed.
Australian media claims a document leaked by the Chinese embassy accuses Canberra of “poisoning bilateral relations” and lists 14 disputes, ranging from trying to torpedo the state of Victoria’s Belt and Road deal with Beijing to funding anti-China research.
Separately, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman also listed political issues behind the souring of ties including Australia’s criticism of China’s human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, its banning of Chinese companies from its 5G network and allegations of Chinese interference in domestic affairs.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded that Australia acted in its own interests and would not compromise its values or policies on issues such as investment, 5G and foreign interference.