Tensions between China and the West are at all time highs. So how can regional players like Australia balance their economic and political allegiances?
U.S. – China tensions remain as high as they have ever been.
New military alliances such as AUKUS – that is the U.S., U.K. and Australia – have emerged in recent years to try to quash China’s influence in the Pacific and around the world.
But where does that leave Australia?
One one hand we are increasing our military alignment with the U.S.
At the same time our trade relations with China are improving as some of the last remaining trade tariffs such as on barley are being removed.
How does Australia and other smaller nations balance this apparent contradiction in military and trade policy?
