When the UN Constitutional Convention was held in San Francisco at the end of the Second World War, Australia for the first time proposed a “Middle Power Diplomacy” concept by the then foreign minister Herbert V. Evatt. Later, when Kevin Rudd became prime minister, he advocated that Australia should take a "Middle Power Diplomacy" in international affairs, to pursue Australia's economic and security interests and play an active role in the international affairs. In the face of rising powers Australia must be able to adhere to its own position. As an important middle power in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia has maintained close relations with the US since World War II. It also plays a leading role in the South Pacific region, helping the US maintain regional security in the Asia-Pacific region. However, in recent years, the US and China have been increasingly competing for power in the Asia-Pacific region. The uncertainty of the Trump administration’s foreign policy has triggered a sense of insecurity in Australia. On the other hand, China’s sharp power to Australia’s domestic and foreign affairs has also brought a lot of uncertainty to the Australia-China relationship. This article focuses on two cases, namely the relationship between Australia and China and Australia and the US.
This doctoral thesis is divided into two periods: the first period is from Xi Jinping coming to power in China in 2013 till the time just before Donald Trump became the president of the United States in 2017; the second period is in the Trump’s presidency to date. Also Lowell Dittmer's "strategic triangle" is applied as the analysis architecture to research the relationship triangle between Australia and China, Australia and the United States in two separate cases.
During the first period between 2013 and 2017, the relationships between Australia and China, Australia and the U.S. are “the romantic triangle” -- Australia is the “pivot player” while China and U.S. are the “wing players”. Through hedging strategies, Australia has relied upon the US-Australia alliance for its national security and relied upon China for economic development. Therefore, Australia maintains friendly relations with China and the US simultaneously.
After the first period, the relationships between Australia and China, Australia and the US from 2017 to date are “the marriage triangle”. While the US-China Trade War is escalating, the U.S. Air Force and Navy airplanes and guided missile destroyer conducts “Freedom of Navigation’’ in the South China Sea where islands were claimed by China. During the premiership of the former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's parliament passed new laws ‘Anti-interference Laws’ aimed at preventing foreign interference in politics in their country.
This thesis proposes 6 M-shape indicators to analyze the penetration of China's sharp power into Australia. As China's overall national strength continues to grow, the tools available to the Chinese government are becoming more diverse. It can take appropriate strategies and tactics by judging the situation at that time to complete the goal.