Stories from the New Silk Road: The ‘frenemy’
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That's the sound of a live fire exercise taking place near Townsville in Queensland, Australia. The operation is part of a wider training program involving the Australian, American, and Japanese Armed Forces, which, according to US Pacific Command, is set to strengthen defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. It's a good example of how Australia's bond with one superpower, the US, ensures security. Meanwhile, its connection with another seems to do anything. But
In recent years, China and Australia have clashed.
We will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest.
Over the years, concerns have grown over China's influence and military activity in and around Australia, from allegations that politicians accepted financial support linked to Chinese interests, to claims of covert operations by the People's Liberation Army, and more recently, live fire exercises by the Chinese Navy close to Australian waters.
Chinese warships in Australia's EEZ. Is that a serious thing? When there are live firing exercises taking place in areas where there's a lot of people who are not sure
what's going on.
If China wanted us they would have taken us five years ago. They are a superpower now. Why can't we just to show our aggression and show our weapons, show our muscles? It does seem
that China would like to have more control over us as a nation than than it does.
This is Stories from the New Silk Road, The Frenemy. I'm the BBC's Australia correspondent Katie Watson. There's constant discussion here in Australia about the role of China. And together with producer Pete Chevlin,
there's a new type of warfare out there. Did you train like that as well?
We're exploring Australia's complicated relationship with China, the destination for around a third of all its exports. More than a decade ago, a beautiful friendship with China began to blossom. Australia opened up its economy and encouraged business and trade, with Mandarin being taught in public schools and President Xi Jinping invited to address parliament.
In nineteen seventy two, China and Australia entered into diplomatic ties, which opened a new chapter of friendship and cooperation in the relations between our two countries.
But then, that upward trajectory took a downward spiral. In 2021, Australia became the first nation to perform a U-turn on China's Belt and Road Initiative, its massive global infrastructure plan, when they cancelled the State of Victoria's agreement with the Chinese government.
The determination that we have formed is that they are not consistent with Australia's approach to foreign policy and under the legislation will be terminated.
Today, with US backing, Australia is expanding its military bases and buying nuclear submarines, deepening its military integration with the United States and strengthening its role in the Indo-Pacific. But does this make Australia safer, or does it risk drawing the country deeper into future conflicts? Former Defence Secretary Peter Dutton, speaking in 2022.
We know that our nation is facing the most complex and potentially catastrophic regional security environment since the Second World War.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–7:51
2
What is the current state of Australia‑China relations and why is it called a ‘frenemy’?
7:51–18:36
3
How did the historic friendship between Australia and China develop after 1972?
18:36–22:05
4
Why has Australia shifted from a China‑focused trade policy to a US‑led security partnership?
22:05–28:59
5
What does the Lowy Institute poll reveal about Australian public trust in the US and China?
28:59–29:24