Chained to China: Economic Ties vs Political Stance
Posted by: r23
19th May 2025 10:32pm
Is Australia too dependent on China economically to stand up to it politically?
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Comments 57
Bazz
"Is Australia too dependent on China economically to stand up to it politically?" Really? Let's be perfectly clear. Trade benefits and unites all people engaged in it whereas political differences only serve to divide and destroy people. Perhaps you should have asked if Australia is too dependent on the USA to stand up to it politically? Their political interests they have constantly projected onto us over decades only serve the USA, not Australian interests. Prime Minister Paul Keating spoke on this issue of Australia's constant USA subservience many, many times & still does. On the other side of politics, PM Malcolm Fraser wrote a whole book on the subject, "Dangerous Allies...". Don't you think we have tried to diversify our markets? Multiple Governments here have tried for ages. The issues are that China is very close, making shipping costs very cheap & we don't actually own our own ships any more like we used to... we use theirs! The other issues are countries like Japan & South Korea also buy iron ore, etc from us and would love to buy bigger volumes... for the tiny, tiny prices they pay compared to China who pay many, many times more and under normal circumstances increase it every year. Perhaps you would be better off diversifying your news sources? Sky News & the Murdoch political machine have been trying to destroy this country with their stupid brand of first British Imperialism (& now American Imperialism) since World War One and are still trying!
Tim D
The current Australian government has no desire to stand up to China it is too busy trying to evade Trump. Trump is not complicated to understand he is trying to bring as much business back to the USA as he can to make the USA as strong as possible. Personally I think it is going to work and the USA will dominate. AI is about to dominate the world and Australia is going to get left behind largely because our energy prices are too high and largely because we are focused on things that do not help the Australian economy, unlike the USA.
fetid
I think the country in the question should read USA, the biggest bully on the planet like the empires before it, UK, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Zionists....
Neel3263
While Australia's economic dependence on China is significant, particularly in resource exports, it doesn't necessarily mean Australia is unable to stand up to China politically. There's a complex interplay between economic ties and political autonomy, with some experts arguing that Australia can navigate this relationship while maintaining its strategic interests
harry31626210
Yes, Australia is economically tied to China, but it has still taken political stands. It’s a careful balance between trade benefits and national interests.
Ashar
Most definitely. Why hasn't trade been diversified so that we are not so dependent upon them?
nkc
The main export of Australia is mining. There is no other country can consume that much except China. In that case, how to diversify?
cjc1959au
Our current government is far too in love with the CCCP and China! This can easily be seen in Albo's latest junket to his favourite country, when he still hasn't resolved the US issue!
fetid
The US is a fading empire that we need to collapse after the current now King of the US is gone so he doesn't spit the dummy and blow all of us up not just Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen etc
Mevanwy
Yes we need to stand up to them and become more independent.
capfantastic
This issue should have been addressed long ago. Australia treat China like they observe any rule of law, other than the communist party of China rule of law. That includes torturing and killing people, having no real judicial system and stealing technological advancements to make cheap knock offs in factories where employees make 3c an hour. Is that something that Australia wants to be a part of when we sell our raw materials to countries that treat their civilians so abominably?
fetid
The US waterboards and renditions people illegally from anywhere on the planet
MTD
Unfortunately it is a bit more complicated than basing it on morals and ethics. If China sneezes, we down here catch the flu. But then, local issues will play a role in the solutions. Australia has valuable resources that most of the world would give their eyeteeth for but If we are going to use that to FORCE ethics and morals on other countries, then we commit blackmail by trying to influence other countries politics and living conditions. Do we fight back against the other countries that try to influence our politics? Absolutely. but how? To big an issue to solve here.
Niharika3270
No,it’s not.
AdelaideM
In short, yes.
We need to invest more in Australian made, which is on the government, but as individuals we also need to accept buying less for more.
We're so used to being able to constantly buy new things, new clothes, new toys etc., that we've lost the ability to repair and value what we have. It means that we've created a never ending cycle of cheaply made, cheaply bought, easy to throw away stuff, that we then need to replace and in this economy it's easier to just go to kmart and get another cheaply made, cheaply bought, easy to throw away tshirt.
As consumers we need to put our money where our mouth is and be willing to pay more for better quality, Australian made food and items, and our government needs to invest in the infrastucture to make this possible, so that we're not as reliant on China's economy!
fetid
If you look at real world data you will see that it is business investment that is stagnating the Australian economy not government spending. But I agree with your other point I will always look to buy Australian, it tends to be better quality, longer lasting and not have mad cow disease like some soon to be imported beef that we grow more than enough to supply ourselves and a large part of the US market
becky131718
Yes sometimes
intelligent
In some ways than none, I do believe this, we are sort of 'PUPPIES' LICKING THEIR GOODS.
fetid
You are talking about The USA I assume?
Voxy Lady
Yes, most definitely, this is due to their sweat shops!! Cheaply made and their workers are underpaid.
Jhinzia1608
That's weird but it seems like it, alot of imports like 69% from China and relations dependencies, and Australia probably does cower to them. ALTHOUGH, there is no need to stand up China as neither offended or bullied either, Australia have ok, almost symbiotic relationship with it to function.
But yeah over 10-30 yrs it's Australia that's affecting it's economy and dollar most turbulent from good decisions in late 2000s and early 2010s to a downhile of mistakes ever since Gillard ended it's quite sad that China is its crutch
JYCC
Yes, Australia is waayyyy too rely and dependent on China.
Its time to diversify the portfolio and seek additional industries to ensure Australia can sail when tensions increase with the Taiwan Strait.
When Penny Wong mentioned "we" diversify.
But all the countries Penny mentioned were severely impacted when China's economic downturn.
Don't put all eggs in one basket (China).
Sil sil
Absolutely, everything is made in China!! We are not self sufficient
musicmum
Yes, considering China was built with a lot of our steel and coal and we agreed to buy all their goods that they make cheaply because their wages are so low and companies prefer to have them now built in China so they can make more profits we are bound forever now. I don't think it will ever go back to having fully Australian products again. We are killing the Australian small business with taxes, rates and high wages. But please don't blame the Chinese people who are overall very nice people but living under contraints in a communist country. It is their leaders and the leaders of the world who all play apart in these economic ties and the political agendas worldwide. I think it is our best interest for many reasons to stay on good terms after all do we really want them to start a war and take over Australia? But don't think it is only China that wants to buy up Australia. Foreign investment comes from all over the world. With that deals are being made behind the closed doors of Governments all the time, the shadow governments the ones we do not see or hear of. Don't jump to conclusions with what you read or see in mainstream media, there is a lot more going on with this complicated situation.
wil32383410
Yes
jatz50
It so irritates me that everything I just about buy is all Made in China. China are now the tough guys calling the shots and I don't think the current government can control them to the way they would like. Surely, we can go back to making our own products as we did before packing everything up and going over there. It has all made China richer and stronger.
This business re the Port of Darwin is totally scarey with China making threatening demands. China doesn't play fair with anything these days. The more you give them, the more they take.
fetid
I live in Darwin, the port of Darwin was leased by the previous coalition government for 99 years to a private Chinese company. I'd rather have that than the US coming to Darwin with their nuclear subs and all the drunken arrogant US marines and their long range bombers which make Darwin a target AGAIN
chocogirl
Australia is too dependent on China
fetid
Did you mean USA?
Sadunika3260
Yes, Australia is economically dependent on China — especially for exports like iron ore and education — but in recent years, it has shown a growing willingness to push back politically, absorbing economic costs to protect its sovereignty and values. It’s walking a tightrope, seeking to diversify while standing firm.
fetid
Ahhhh a rational response
ventnorgirl
Leave it to company ceos to navigate their company if china is to be involved economically.
redgums
Australia are to tied to China we need to export to more countries around the world China cannot be trusted they have proved that on numerous times
fetid
Can you expand on that comment? Does it involve weapons of mass destruction (WMD)?
Thanu
Yes but I think money is more important
Thecats
Definately - we should be looking for new markets to buy & sell
cazter
Yes, I feel this is true.
Genie11
“How should Australia navigate this complex relationship?” Very carefully. We must stop trying to be everyone’s friend at the expense of what is best for this country of ours!! The ‘David and Goliath’ syndrome wreaks havoc with our psyche. We have to show that we know our worth (not monetary worth) and we have to stand by our values. We have to look to other markets for our goods, whatever they may be, and not be so reliant on the Chinese to keep filling our coffers. I fear the declining Chinese demand for our resources is going to be quite detrimental to our economy. Look what their ban on our wine and lobsters did!! Suddenly producers had to scramble around to find alternative buyers! These sort of new trade deals can take a very long time to set up . . . and in the meantime . . . ??? So in answer to this question, yes, we are far too dependent on China economically. We are being used and abused by China because we are afraid to be bold about our strengths and our worth!!
fetid
AUKUS! Otherwise known as U SUK A
KennethS
Australia is far too economically dependent on China, when China sneezes, Australia gets a cold.
I would suggest you should read the comments by China's Ambassador to Australia about the proposal to take back the Port of Darwin from the Chines Company Landbridge by buying out their lease; talk about a veiled threat
The Chinese Communist Party is determined to have hegemony over our area of the SW Pacific and any criticism of China gets a hostile response. We are either a free sovereign nation or a vassal state, China wants us as the latter.
Back in the 1960s and early 70s our major trading partner joined the EEC, and our trade with Britain was replaced with new markets, we have done it in the past, and we would be smart to do it again, we must find new markets now, not when China plays hardball, and in this Australians can play their part by giving preference to home produced product, and from Nations that respect our right to hold our own views and speak up fearlessly when necessary to call out Countries that don't play fair; and China doesn't know how to play fair.
abarnes
Without studying where Australia’s revenue streams are coming from, the simple is, ‘I don’t know if we are too dependent on China.’ But if we are, then we should be looking to remedy that by selling our wares across the globe rather than just outside our front door.
‘To stand up to it politically?’ Can two people(s)/countries hold different political views but still play together? History would suggest ‘no.’ It seems humankind has developed the intelligence to know better but not the emotional maturity… regrettably, it seems, if you tell someone what you think, they get bent out of shape and all hell breaks loose. 😂
But isn’t that just one of the things all governments do? A balancing act leveraging economic ties while ensuring political autonomy? The challenge is in navigating geopolitical tensions without compromising national interests. You’ll recall what happened when Australia suggested the source of the Covid virus. good grief...
site77
Australia is economically intertwined with China, but not beholden to it. The country has demonstrated political autonomy, even at economic cost. However, its leaders must carefully balance economic interests and strategic values, especially as U.S.-China rivalry intensifies.
BCafeS15
Very difficult question. I think Australia should look for new markets and diversify away from China so that we’re not do reliant on it. We made our bed and now we must sleep in it.
Burnt Out Digger
Australia has to walk a very careful path her. China is a major customer of this country, but we should not subjugate our political independence to it or any other country
Danni30723977
Australia's economic relationship with China is indeed crucial, yet balancing trade with political values is a delicate task. Navigating this complex relationship should involve a strategic approach that prioritizes both economic interests and national principles. Australia could focus on diversifying its trade partnerships to reduce reliance on any single country, while actively engaging in diplomatic dialogue to address political concerns. Strengthening alliances with other nations and promoting regional cooperation can also help balance these priorities. Ultimately, a nuanced approach that respects both economic imperatives and political values will be essential in shaping Australia's future relationship with China.
KennethS
China trade and relations with Australia is on Chinese terms, not on mutually agreed terms where we can speak out when we disagree. Fretting about or succumbing to economic and political coercion is not part of a relationship on mutually agreed terms. We either as a Nation have principles or we don't, we can't disagree with the actions of another country that we believe are wrong and overlook similar or worse behavior from a Nation like China or Russia.
khushi
Yes it is fully dependent and at this stage standing up to China politically has its grave risks? The previous liberal government tried it and failed miserably? But it is not only Australia but also USA and a majority of western countries in the same boat! The reason: simple greed? about a quarter of a century ago, most of the developed countries including Australia, started moving all their manufacturing to China because of the low wages there. But in this process, although they really made money and good profits, not only the quality of the manufactured goods was lost but also the local technical expertise was also sacrificed? I remember a 40 years old locally manufactured table fan passed on to me by a friend which was still working fine and worked for another 20 years before my grand children broke it? Compared to that, if you buy a similar Chinese made fan, which costs $10-15 has a legal one year warranty, promptly breaks down right on the 366th day! So unless the manufacturing of every day use products is brought back to Australia, there is no chance of us standing against China politically.
dee
There is too much reliance on China, make things in Australia.
musicmum
Wages are too high compared to China, companies went to China so they could make more profit. Have you tried to stop buying goods made in China it is very difficult. But if you are interested check out the Australian made website which you can search to see what you can buy that is Australian made and usually owned. Yes you might need to pay a little more but in some cases it is well worth it, if you can afford to pay more than it should be a first priority.
Tuzy
Personally I think we are way too tied to China for our overseas sales. There should have been more control over what China was able to buy in this country. Too late now though.
mymonkey
Why do we have to depend on anyone, I think we have a good government to rely on
Ellessri
I'm more concerned with being able to stand up to the USA than China, though I do think we need to be more self sufficient and sell less of our resources to other countries
l0lapx
Australia is not at all economically dependent on China. We are too controlled and under the thumb of the USA for that.
We trade with China who has no strings attached, not like the USA. Pity so many are commenting after only listening to the USA propaganda we are fed on the 'idiotbox' and stupidfona. Try the Australian international info sites via OZ that track world trade etc, and see how much we trade with the USA compared to China $ How much China and USA trade with OZ. And Check who uses tariffs to control other countries USA or other countries.?
Also check to see who owns more of Australia? USA or China.
musicmum
So true it is not just China that wants Australia. Foreign investment comes from all over the world.
chickenman
Australia is definitely to reliant on China and how submissive our Politicians are.
jtmorri
No, I don't believe so. A lot more fairness is returning to the relationship since the Albanese government took office. China seemed to have a problem with the former Liberal government of Australia when they restricted wine, crayfish, barley and beef to name a few key exports. Trade with China remains important, however, Australian industries is finding new trade partners in South-East Asia and the EU also wish to increase trade with Australia. It is known worldwide that our produce is of a high standard. This diversification into other markets makes Australia less dependent on China and its economic performance impacting ours as much as in the past.
So, economic co-operation has improved with China and continues to be prioritised by the Albanese government as demonstrated by continued dialogue and meetings. Australia can now engage with China economically while ensuring national security and regional stability are maintained, such as Australia's strong AUKUS alliance defensively. Albanese flew to Indonesia to discuss both China and Russia's interest in the region and receive assurance that Australia is seen as the number one and preferred partner of Indonesia.
It comes down to diplomacy and language used. The Morrison government was always negatively warning about China and growing threat to Australia's security. The only thing that seems too sensitive to bring up with China is human rights. Also, the Australian government needs to be careful what they say around Taiwan and the Spratly Islands which allows them greater power in the region.
mare
Not sure