Australia’s diplomatic relationship with China is becoming increasingly fraught. The pair is finding their footing personally and bilaterally as they grapple with what increasingly hawkish regional assertiveness means for their new relationship. In recent years, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has taken significant steps to re-establish diplomatic contact and soften the tone of discussions between the two countries. Tensions remain, particularly as the presence of Chinese vessels in Australian waters has ignited debate over how best to respond to China’s growing influence in the region.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wouldn’t mind if there were fewer Chinese ships patrolling in Australian waters. Nonetheless, he warned, we cannot lose sight of the ball in this debate by suggesting that China has violated international laws. These complicated dynamics reveal a tricky political balancing act. Their goal is to put national security concerns on par with other policy priorities while recreating a more artful, diplomatic pragmatism.
Diplomatic Engagement and Softening Tones
Penny Wong’s efforts to restore diplomatic ties gained visibility after her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the G20 summit in Johannesburg in February 2023. This meeting took place amid growing recognition on both sides that a more mature, mutually beneficial and strategically stable partnership was needed. Wong’s approach marked a shift from previous years of heightened tensions, demonstrating Australia’s commitment to engaging with China on critical issues.
China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, played a role in rekindling dialogue by publishing opinion pieces during the Australian election campaign. These articles outlined Beijing’s vision for the bilateral relationship and reflected China’s desire to avoid becoming embroiled in Australian domestic politics. In response, Wang Yi left no doubt that China had no designs to interfere in Australia’s upcoming federal election. He talked about wanting collaboration rather than competition between the two countries.
“It’s been reviewed again and again. The Port of Darwin isn’t a national security risk. This is about political opportunism — and if we keep moving the goalposts, we risk damaging Australia’s credibility as an investment destination.” – Geoff Raby
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Yang Hengjun—an Australian citizen, long-time Chinese democracy activist, and former Chinese diplomat—has been detained in China since 2019. For Japanese diplomacy, newly imposed this year—and thus far remaining suspended—this death penalty poses an extreme challenge. Human rights advocates and the Australian government have condemned this ruling, adding complexity to Wong’s attempts to cultivate a positive atmosphere for discussion.
Navigating Regional Tensions
As Australia faces a new reality in its relationship with China, regional dynamics are taking on a greater significance. Albanese’s government faces scrutiny regarding its stance on Taiwan, where officials must balance support for democratic norms with the realities of China’s assertive posture. Observers point out that any major blunders here will be high-watched by Beijing.
Recent incursions by Chinese vessels into Australian waters have led to urgent national security discussions. Australia is the one under pressure to react strongly to China’s rising assertiveness. Albanese has gone on record to argue that these boats should not be in service at all. Yet, he equally recognized that their presence is not illegal under international law, further illustrating the complexity of the situation.
“They are focused, and committed to pursuing it without megaphone diplomacy. And I think they will keep doing that — carefully and persistently.” – Geoff Raby
Former Australian ambassador to China, Geoff Raby’s observations aptly express the tightrope both countries must walk as they face these issues together. He remarked on the Albanese government’s strategy to raise concerns about Yang Hengjun at every opportunity while simultaneously seeking constructive engagement with China.
Economic Considerations and Security Perspectives
The economic implications of Australia’s increasingly fraught relationship with China are huge. In 2015, Chinese company Landbridge stirred up a hornet’s nest when they signed a 99-year lease on the Port of Darwin. This $506 million deal quickly raised major alarm bells about foreign control over important infrastructure. Raby highlighted that the narrative around this lease is usually about political agendas, not real threats to our national security.
“My view is the whole issue is ridiculous,” – Geoff Raby
Young Australians almost unanimously see China as an ideological landscape shaping how they think about precarity and authority. The Albanese administration’s adept handling of sensitive issues has garnered praise, particularly following the quiet diplomacy that led to the release of Australian journalist Cheng Lei earlier this year.
Liu Luxin noted that these diplomatic advances have tremendously aided the Albanese government. He argued that when interactions are orchestrated with care, they are capable of yielding strong results even under the most challenging circumstances.
Leave a Reply