Loosen ties with the US? That is funny.

No, keep ties with US and build coalitions with similaly minded naitons in region.

There is no use pretending we are not a Western nation with close ties with the UK and US and a few others.

We should be proud of that alliance

You are so calm about it Chris Lewis, how do you do it?

Dan

i can't respond to sarcasm Dan. It is all too serious for me, and Hong Kong.

Australia should plan to buy the debt of those countries that fall
into China's debt trap, even if they were warned.
By that time it may be possible to raise some finance from other
countries as well.
Because of the Central Kingdom's policy do not be surprised if the
Nine Dotted Line does not expand or appear elsewhere.
Remember the Central Kingdom does not believe that we are sovereign countries.

The author has written an extremely researched article.

China "coughs" - the entire world gets a virus, affecting millions, causing such unnecessary grief, suffering, and deaths - decimating a World's economy....who cares - well the World does!

China's response to Australia's PM who sought (supported my all Australians, and now over 100 countries) an International Enquiry as to origins of this Corona Virus was met with such disdain by China -

Calling it based on politics! Sir, you know who you are who made this comment.

Also stating that Chinese people would not visit Australia as we being deemed a nation against Chinese people (is that what you really said China's Ambassador?)

Maybe he should talk to those Chinese people happily living their lives in Australia under "freedom" of expression and ideas....of course he will get no comment from Aussie Chinese as they have family back in China who are "monitored".

So for Australia seeking an International Enquiry as to the origins of this virus - China hit Australia Barley growers with an 80% tariff - seriously! - With no interest as to such tariff implication on Australia's economy.

China then halts "beef" exports - and is looking at further sanctions on our industry. With no thought as to implementation on Australia's economy.

We then come to the recent Hong Kong declaration - which will involve all Citizens of Hong Kong - which I believe will severely limit their democratic autonomy and freedom.....this is a tragedy.

It's time for Australia to STAND UP against the BULLY - and stand up for our "freedom and democracy".

Enough is enough.

SAINTS,

Ni hao, Mate!

I think you have missed the point of what is actually going down at the moment.

There are two Andrews running around at the moment who seem to think we should SIGN UP with the bully, not STAND UP to the bully.

It's a Chinese future for us so you better start getting used to the idea.

Mr opinion you wrote -

"There are two Andrews running around at the moment who seem to think we should SIGN UP with the bully, not STAND UP to the bully.

It's a Chinese future for us so you better start getting used to the idea.'

Response - Therefore we should NOT sign up to the bully of any Nation that is not in the interest of our National Security .

Would you like to discuss?

SAINTS,

I'll debate with you:

1. I agree that we should not sign up with any bully;

2. I agree that we should not sign up to anything that jeopardises our national security.

3. China is a bully; Tibet, HK, annexation of South China Sea, threatening Taiwan with invasion.

4. The US has said it would disengage Australia from its inner circle of allies if Victoria signs up to China's BRI.

5. This places Scott Morrison in a real bind, caught between the devil and deep blue sea. Australia has no option to choose between an all-for-America or an all-for-China policy.

Over to you il mio amico. Which road to follow?

An admirable piece which hits many important points.
It's so hard to know the best way forward at present. America is in turmoil, Virus has weakened many potential allies, and China has infiltrated many of our neighbours.

But will our leaders listen and act to limit China's power? Parliament is having a more extended rest break than usual, and our leaders are understandably wrestling with the virus that started in China.
But some MPs are alarmed:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335313978_BEWARE_OF_THE_CHINESE_DRAGON

Waverley,

Do you think Daniel Andrews is just joking about signing up to China's belt and Road Initiative, especially with the US saying that it will cut Australia off from its inner circle of allies if he does.

It's a joke isn't it. Right at the last minute Daniel Andrews is going to turn around and do a Ricky Gervasi on us: "April fool! Got yaaa .... you little bastards! You thought I was actually going to sign up the China's BRI didn't you? You little F____rs you!"

I mean it really is just a joke isn't it? Daniel Andrews is really just kidding isn't he?

I know he would make LOUDmouth and the pro-China camp happy if he did but it really is just a joke isn't it.

Mr Opinion

1. I agree
2. I agree
3. I agree
4. No way - will US will lose ties with Australia over China.

I don't know how old you are - but Australia and US alliance will definitely beat ANY China bullying.

Waverley

Just chill for a while.

Some excellent points here.

The rhetoric from Morrison et al is fine. But where is the strong action?