There are some advantages to having a weak leader. So long as those taking advantage of him are from the forces of good.
Recently, the Tyrant’s servants were bleating impatiently about becoming Australia’s friend again:
During a meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Australia stands ready to work with China to develop a stable, mutually-beneficial and productive relationship on the basis of mutual respect. China’s Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian had said that the change of leadership in Australia was an “opportunity of possible improvement of our bilateral relations” and that “there is every reason for China and Australia to be friends and partners, rather than adversaries.”
Washington has answered decisively:
United States bomber aircraft, including B-52s, have been visiting Australia since the early 1980s and conducting training in Australia since 2005.
RAAF Base Darwin has previously hosted American B-52 Bombers which took part in Australian Defence Force training exercises in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
Expansion works at Tindal began in 2020 as part of the US-funded project to construct an aircraft parking apron, which is capable of accommodating up to six B-52 aircraft and other aircraft types.
“The project provides functionality for Australian Defence Force use and can also host other aircraft types, enhancing our capacity to train with and host international partners,” a Defence spokesman said.
“Australia and the US have agreed to significant investment in a range of capital infrastructure works to support the implementation of the US Force Posture Initiatives.
Given US bases on Guam, I don’t really see what difference this makes to China. Moreover, it’s not really very new.
That said if we want to read a message into it, as the Chinese have, then those might include:
- Darwin is closer to Honiara than Guam so it could be a useful signal for the Pacific.
- Darwin is very close to key shipping routes for LNG and iron ore so affirms that those will be closed in any war with China.
- Australia is very firmly under the US nuclear umbrella and, indeed, is now holding it just a little.
And, finally, after last week’s Japanese treaty, Albo’s pathetic China reset is being bombed to rubble by our liberal allies.
Less power to him!
