My Take | What have the Chinese ever done for the Australians?
- Canberra is risking a regional war for its overlord, the United States, against its biggest trading partner with which it has grown prosperous
Watching Australian media hacks and political hawks preparing their country for a war with China, I am reminded of that famous skit, “What have the Romans ever done for us?”, from Monty Python’s The Life of Brian.
In that classic comedy, a rabble in Israel were calling for death to the Romans. One leader declared: “They’ve taken everything we’ve got as if it was their right, and we’ve got nothing in return though they make so much fuss. What have the Romans ever done for us?”
After some discussion, though, it was pointed out that the Romans weren’t completely evil, as they did contribute “medicine, irrigation, health, roads, cheese, education and baths” to Palestine.
Now, I am not saying the Chinese are contemporary Romans, but the economic rise of China did contribute much to the co-prosperity of both countries.
So, it’s a bit strange that Australia now prefers the path of war offered by its overlord, the United States, against its biggest trading partner. A war over Taiwan, or the South China Sea? Try to wrap your head around that!
