As it implements China’s 14 conditions to end democracy, the Albanese Government yesterday took its China grovel to alarming new levels.
Premier Li Qiang arrives next week for a flying visit and Albo is busy preparing the nation for an almighty grovel in the national daily.
According to your PM, he is prioritising investing in Australian capabilities and relationships, including defence and diplomacy, to strengthen a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific for Australian security and prosperity.
Albo argues that he has followed a clear strategy: cooperate with China when possible, dispute when necessary, and pursue national interests.
He says the government’s goal for a future made in Australia is about building on its strengths, engaging in the region, and succeeding on its terms.
Albo says the government’s commitment to peace has helped develop the international rules-based order, and Australia continues to push for an Indo-Pacific where sovereignty is respected, human rights are honoured, shared opportunity drives prosperity, and collective responsibility secures stability.
He says that Australia’s diaspora populations strengthen its ties to China and the world as a diverse nation.
Albo also says that the government believes frank discussion is best, regardless of differences, and that Australia, China, and all nations in the region must uphold the rules-based system, respect their neighbours’ sovereignty, and safeguard Indo-Pacific stability.
The problem is, there is no “frank discussion”. On the contrary, Albo has issued a fatwa on any mention of “China” within the government.
Additionally, is he attempting to stifle other platforms for “frank discussion,” such as the work of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which is currently the focus of the conflicted Peter Varghese’s inquiry into China-related think tanks.
The voting power of the Chinese diaspora, which strongly favoured the ALP in the most recent election, has muzzled even the formerly hawkish opposition.
And we need to ask whose rules-based order it is anyway.
If it is extant rules, then they will promote open trade and liberal democratic values.
If it is China’s rules, then it will promote open trade and illiberal autocratic values.
That’s the thing. The rules-based order is only an expression of the hegemon at its head.
We have been fantastically fortunate to live through a period of US liberal order.
To throw that away on a China grovel means change so radical that most Australians don’t dare contemplate it.
