What’s wrong with Australians! More Aussies are said to be afraid of China “invading Australia” than people in Taiwan region being afraid of Beijing’s armies “forcing themselves onto the leafy island”.
According to two surveys conducted by the Canberra-based Australia Institute, nearly 1 in 10 Australians think China will soon attack Australia, while just 1 in 20 Taiwan residents think that China will soon attack Australia. And about 1 in 4 Australians think that the Chinese mainland will soon “attack” its Taiwan region, while just 1 in 20 Taiwan residents think that the Chinese mainland will soon do so to Taiwan.
Australians appear paranoid about China’s aggressiveness, but with what foundation? Are Australians really so afraid of China and if so, why?
According to Allan Behm, director of the Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs program and a former senior official with the Australian Foreign Affairs, Attorney General and Defense departments: “The more the anti-China lobby beats the drums of war, the more afraid of China Australians become.”
So, the institute appears to be blaming the media for carrying anti-China propaganda to influence the every-day Aussie against “war” by China at home or abroad. The Australian press, especially those controlled by the Rupert Murdoch empire, are very anti-China and, indeed, it is virtually impossible for any positive stories to be published there. The Australian mentality doesn’t make sense.
A better understanding of each other’s culture can only lead to further harmony and help overcome any unfounded fears and alleged threats
What has China done to suggest it is interested in “invading Australia”? Absolutely nothing.
ALSO READ: Hopes expressed for Australian foreign minister's visit
In fact, trade has been China’s main interest in Australia. In September 2022, China exported $5.4 billion and imported $8 billion from Australia, resulting in a trade balance of $1.6 billion in Australia’s favor. Between September 2021 and September 2022, the exports of China have increased by $1.4 billion (34.3 per cent) from $4.02 billion to $5.4 billion, while imports decreased by $1.6 billion (-16.7 per cent) from $9.5 billion to $8 billion.
According to The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), China is Australia’s largest trading partner with trade valued at about $69 billion. Trade-wise it does not make sense for China to “invade Australia”. So, what causes this negativity amongst Australians towards China?
The previous Prime Minister Scott Morrison did more harm than good when he decided to pally-up with the Americans by breaking the submarine deal with France to buy US subs. Australia could not be trusted in the world arena.
Morrison’s anti-China rhetoric was unrelenting when he followed the Americans and banned China tech giant Huawei from Australian enterprises, thus prompting further reactions from China.
ALSO READ: China and Australia once were allies
Morrison also strengthen his intelligence gathering through the US-led Five Eyes intelligence network – US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and UK – which specializes in spreading anti-China propaganda throughout the world. The Australian Intelligence Community, with representatives on the Five Eyes network, advises the Prime Minister on China and other security issues.
Further sanctions by Morrison included human rights issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong on the recommendation of the US through the Five Eyes network. The Xinjiang issue of “genocide” were found to be untrue by the United Nations Commissioner on Human Rights and the arrested rioters and others charged with sedition in Hong Kong are facing trial under its common law system, which is the same as that of Australia.
Tensions and fears heightened earlier in the year when China established a logistic base in the Solomon Islands, where the US has more than 300,000 troops stationed. The US and Australia suspected China, falsely, of trying to establish a military presence in the South Pacific, something that would up-end their military balance in the region but that China has always rejected.
Relations between Australia and China were at an all-time low, but this was still no reason for China to “invade” Australia.
ALSO READ: Positive signs seen in China, Australia ties
Restoration of relations now rests with incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Bali G20 meeting appears to be a step in the right direction, with Albanese declaring, "our bilateral relationship is an important one."
Although the meeting was half an hour only, it was deemed a success. It was necessary to restore goodwill between the two, and it established the framework for further dialogue.
It is now up to the Australian and Chinese top officials to follow through; first by normalizing imports and exports; a clean slate from which to work.
The two countries should also try to restore confidence in one another through cultural exchange and tourism. Both are beautiful countries with much to offer.
READ MORE: China has neither intent nor capability to attack Australia
A better understanding of each other’s culture can only lead to further harmony and help overcome any unfounded fears and alleged threats. Future surveys by the Australia Institute would then provide more positive results.
The author is a former Chief Information Officer of the Hong Kong government, a PR & Media Consultant and veteran journalist. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.