Thanks Chris

Your thought-provoking article deserved a considered (and sometimes contrary :) response.

I agree economic over-reliance on China is undersirable as Australia might tend to turn a blind(er) eye to China's authoritarian habits.

Particular dangers exist in Chinese government/corporate monopolies controlling too much of the 'trade loop' with Australia. This is in terms of China owning energy and mineral exploration companies in Australia, buying the mines or oil/gas extraction rights, and then "selling" the products cheaply to themselves.

An additional risk came up last week when Labor opened the door to the possibility of Chinese guest workers being imported into Australia to work the mines and rigs. Yes these workers might be paid union rates but China can always skim off (tax) a fair slice of the pay that they send home to China.

Overall its best if Australia gains greater control of the trade loop and diversifies its customer base to include such rising economic powers as India, Brazil, South Korea, France, Germany and others. Australia should also not take its traditional major customers, the US, UK and Japan, for granted. http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2009/06/australia-missing-out-on-non-chinese.html

Pete