"We are naturally and comfortably and permanently part of this region [Asia] and see our future in it." - Prime Minister John Howard, during last year's visit to Vietnam.

Like those of Paul Keating before him, Howard's proclamations about Australia's future lying within Asia are reminiscent of Morocco's futile bids for EU membership. Australia is not an Asian country, neither geographically nor culturally. In this particular case, I happen to believe Howard is little more than a crass opportunist, sycophantically giving lip-service to the ideal of integration with Asia in order to secure a FTA with ASEAN. While our politicians are wise to promote greater trade with Asia, Australia's political future does not lie with nascent East Asian regionalism. We shall never be accepted as a member of the wider Asian community, and that's not only because of geographical realities. Leaving aside the fact that Beijing is closer to London than it is to Canberra, Australia's values, history, institutions, political system and culture are not the same as our northern neighbours. We have the characteristics of a European nation, not an Asian one. When recently asked about his opposition to Australia's involvement in Asian affairs, the recalcitrant Dr. Mahathir Mohamad quipped that Australia is "basically European", and therefore, not a member of the Asian community. This is the attitude that most Asian leaders share, albeit less pugnaciously, and they are essentially correct in calling a spade a spade. I'm all in favour of greater economic engagement with Asia if it means more export opportunities. However, beyond expanded trade linkages, Australia is at a regional dead-end.

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I never cease to wonder at the number of people with a complete absence
of geographical knowledge.
Paris is closer to Asia than Australia.

Not even Indonesia is in Asia, nor is the Phillipines.
Just because they are inhabited by Asians does not make them Asia any
more than Australia is Europe just because it is inhabited by Europeans.

Australia needs to broaden its horizons and move beyond the anachronistic obsession with regionalism in the era of global communication and transportation. Close economic ties with Asia are essential, but tighter political integration within a potential EU-style East Asian bloc is neither achievable, nor desirable for Australia.

Australia is unique, and we should take advantage of our position as a small, Western nation sitting south of the growing Asian giants. However, Canberra needs a multi-vector approach. Rather than trying to be something that we are not, we should use our shared history, culture, language, values, institutions and political processes with other Commonwealth countries as a basis for greater economic, governmental and administrative integration. One practical measure would be the expansion of the Australia-New Zealand CER and travel arrangements to include Canada. Such an intra-Commonwealth bloc would have a combined GDP of around 1.848 trillion and a population of around 58 million. Canberra should also be seeking special partnerships with the EU and NAFTA.

It is perplexing in the least that Australia does not give higher priorities to the expansion of ties with its traditional partners.

Politicians are all opportunists who say whatever suits their devious little minds at any given time.

The next thing you know, we will be blood brothers of Outer Mongolians.

Leigh said: "The next thing you know, we will be blood brothers of Outer Mongolians."

Considering the strong emphasis on immigration from Asia, one could argue that Howard's words aren't so empty. Howard has followed Hawke-Keating in using immigration to materially expand Australia's ties with the Asian region. Social engineering by any other name. It's another example of how this country's immigration policy has become completely beholden to economic interests. However, not only is such a policy self-abasing, it's also unnecessary by any standards. Japan and South Korea, for example, have not found it necessary to import American immigrants in order to become major trading partners with the United States. I guess neither of those countries suffer from the malignant form of cultural cringe which plagues this country.

Dear Oligarch
regarding your point that we are 'culturally' etc not a part of Asia....
well.. yes to a point, but u know... Malaysia and Singapore are like a 2nd homes to me, and dealing with Asians is often quite a treat.
I've met the most ethical and responsible hardworking blokes you can imagine.

They also regard us in a warm hearted way as long as we don't talk down to them, which is understandable.
The biggest problem for 'BIG' business is the close linkup between politics and 'projects' over there, everyone wants his slice, but not so much in Singapore, Malaysia.. well cannot comment on right now, but a decade ago woooo... rapacious.