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Australia’s Multifaceted Foreign Policy Seekings in the US-China Competition

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In the unipolar world order formed in the post-Cold War era, the United States of America (USA) is positioned as the hegemonic power. China, on the other hand, became the second largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan in 2010, after the 2008 economic crisis, and after this development, it challenged the West and the US hegemony and turned to the search for multipolarity.

This situation is considered by many as “2. Cold War” which was led to the start of a new global competition. In this context, Washington tries to take advantage of its own political experience in the multidimensional global competition it conducts with Beijing, and tries to use the containment policy it successfully implemented against the Soviet Union against Beijing.

As such, this containment policy also adds a regional perspective to the US-China rivalry. At this point, states such as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and Australia are important actors for the USA because of the values they adopt.

In this context, Canberra is included in the AUKUS Pact formed by the partnership of the USA, the UK and Australia, in the Quadruple Security Dialogue (QUAD) implemented by the USA, India, Japan and Australia, and in the ANZUS Agreement established with the cooperation of Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Because of this, the Canberra administration draws attention as a critical actor for the West. Because, in all three Western-based formations established in the Asia-Pacific Region, Australia is the only actor that takes place with the USA and does not change in this sense.

It can be said that this situation makes Canberra a critical ally in Washington’s eyes for the containment of Beijing. At the same time, this situation also shows that Australia is a state that has completely accepted the Western perspective. But this makes Australia a target for China.

On the other hand, the establishment of the Labor Party Government under the leadership of Antony Albanese after the elections in May 2022 in Australia caused a change in the foreign policy of Canberra. Because after the new government, Australia started to develop warmer relations with China. However, the country does not want to lose the support of the West. This pushes Canberra to follow a multi-faceted foreign policy. However, due to the tense security equation of the Asia-Pacific Region, the states need to choose sides and Australia’s existing alliance relations and alliances make Canberra’s situation difficult. For example, on February 2, 2023, Australian Asistant Minister for Trade and Australian Asistant Minister for Manufacturing Tim Ayres said that Canberra and Beijing held important talks at the ministerial level prioritizing national interests. In his statement, Ayres said, “We have agreed that we will follow a calm and consistent approach that defends the national interests.”[1]

The above-mentioned words can be read as Canberra’s approach to Beijing adopts an attitude that emphasizes dialogue. Considering that China is Australia’s main trading partner, it can be argued that economic interests are the basis at this point. However, if the convergence on the Beijing-Canberra line continues, it is inevitable that this will disturb the US and its Western allies.

On February 7, 2023, Australia and New Zealand held a meeting to improve the dialogue with China. At the same time, it was emphasized in this meeting that China is an important trade partner of both countries.[2] Currently, Canberra and Wellington are in an alliance relationship through ANZUS. This situation is decisive in the pro-Western stance of these states. However, these countries also have important economic relations with China. In fact, these relations cause both countries to be in limbo. For example, Albanese is trying to develop good relations with China; but when it behaves like this, it cannot meet the expectations of the West.

On the other hand, on February 8, 2023, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia conducted joint air exercises in the Nevada Desert to simulate high-level combat operations against Chinese warplanes.[3] It is seen that the cooperation of these countries over the anti-Chinese attitude disturbs Beijing as well and directs it to a more proactive policy. In addition, the presence of countries with a Western perspective such as Japan and South Korea in the region also increases the pressure on China. All these points indicate that there may be a hot conflict in the region in the future.

At the same time, on February 22, 2023, Australia and the Philippines held a meeting on joint patrols in the South China Sea.[4] Because, considering that the South China Sea is one of the most problematic issues in the region and the foreign policy of the Philippines approaching the West, it is possible to read these talks within the framework of the containment of China.

In short, Australia is stuck together and will not abandon its West-centered orientation; but it can be said that it does not want to give up his economic ties with China. Because some problems between China and Australia are not only related to the Western factor. On the contrary, it stems from the national security understanding of the Canberra administration. The struggle for influence over the South China Sea is a concrete example of this. For this reason, it can be stated that Australia wants to balance this dilemma and the dialogue it is trying to develop with China by adopting a harsh stance against Russia in the Ukraine War. Because the Canberra administration expanded the sanctions it imposed on Russia on February 24, 2023 and decided to send unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine.[5]

As a result, Australia, although allied with the United States and its allies, has focused on developing close dialogues with China with the Albanese Government. But it is also clear that the security equation of the Asia-Pacific Region and Canberra’s alliance relations limit the rapprochement with Beijing. In this case, it can be said that the expectations of the West are effective. That’s why the Albanese Government is trying to strike a balance by taking a tough stance against Russia.


[1] “Australia and China Engaged in Ministerial-Level Talks To Advocate National İnterest”, Sky News, https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/china/australia-and-china-engaged-in-ministeriallevel-talks-to-advocate-national-interest/video/c20a42e7866124a2d41475460c0a1003, (Date of Accession: 27.02.2023).

[2] “Australia, New Zealand Talk Up Their Relationships With China”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-new-zealand-talk-up-their-relationships-with-china-2023-02-07/, (Date of Accession: 27.02.2023).

[3] “U.S., UK and Australia Carry Out China-Focused Air Drills”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-uk-australia-carry-out-china-focused-air-drills-2023-02-09/, (Date of Accession: 27.02.2023).

[4] “Australia, Philippines Discuss Joint South China Sea Patrols”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-philippines-discuss-joint-patrols-south-china-sea-2023-02-22/, (Date of Accession: 27.02.2023).

[5] “Australia Sending Drones to Ukraine, Imposes More Sanctions on Russia”, Channel News Asia, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/australia-ukraine-drones-russia-financial-sanctions-3301171, (Date of Accession: 27.02.2023).

Zeki Talustan GÜLTEN
Zeki Talustan GÜLTEN
Zeki Talustan Gülten graduated from Yalova University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of International Relations in 2021 with his graduation thesis titled "American Foreign Policy" and from Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty, Department of Foreign Trade in 2023. Gülten, who is currently pursuing her Master's Degree with Thesis at Marmara University Institute of Social Sciences, Department of International Relations, was a student at the Faculty of International and Political Studies at Lodz University for a semester within the framework of the Erasmus+ program during her undergraduate education. Working as an Asia-Pacific Research Assistant at ANKASAM, Gülten's main areas of interest are American Foreign Policy, Asia-Pacific and International Law. Gülten is fluent in English.