Canberra Cannot Have Its Cake and Eat It Too

Marking a step to support trade with China, the Australian government unveiled a plan on Monday to expand domestic exporters’ access to the Chinese market. As trade barriers between the two countries continue to ease, this measure will facilitate the development of bilateral economic cooperation.

The market access initiative — a two-year plan backed by A$50 million (US$33.32 million) — encourages farmers, fishers, miners, and winemakers to tap into the Chinese market, according to a statement from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This step further highlights the pragmatic approach of the Australian government toward China. Since taking office in 2022, the leadership has sought to improve relations with China, which was met with a reciprocal response from Beijing. The stabilization of bilateral ties since then has brought tangible benefits to both sides. This should encourage the government to view China more objectively.

However, this pragmatism appears to have its limits.

The latest evidence of this emerged roughly two weeks before Canberra unveiled its trade initiative, when Australia concluded its largest 15-day joint military drills with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, a de facto step to embolden the Philippines to continue its provocative actions against China.

Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security policy, as the latter only heightens regional tensions and undermines stability. While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to attempt to uphold the AUKUS pact, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and provide support to the Philippines in the South China Sea. Such behavior exposes Australia’s implicit calculations of trying to butter both sides of its bread.

While China places great importance on economic and trade relations with Australia, it will under no circumstances tolerate such encroachments on its core interests.

China poses no threat to Australia. Canberra should recognize that it is an external party to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea and that its reckless security policy serves neither regional peace nor Australia’s own strategic standing. Its dual-track policy toward China is not sustainable in the long run.

The Australian government is strongly urged to develop a rational understanding of China not only as Australia’s largest trading partner but also as a responsible major country committed to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries will further unlock the potential of their economic complementarity and ensure common growth, while enhancing strategic coordination on regional and international affairs will serve their shared interests and those of the region.

China has never demanded that Australia choose sides but urges it to maintain its strategic autonomy in international relations.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, both countries should maintain close cooperation, continue the high-quality implementation of the agreement, and jointly conduct an analysis to identify areas for further improvement or expansion.

To create the necessary conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation not only in the economy and trade but also in other fields, the government knows what needs to be done.

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