July 30, 2020
Washington sees in Canberra the independent ally it needs
The just-concluded Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations demonstrated strong alliance ties, and not only because Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds flew through a global pandemic to take part.
For all of the natural focus on global health and regional development, and with nary a word about the Middle East in the joint statement, it was Chinese assertiveness that concentrated ministerial minds this year. And it was quickly clear that Australia’s new, first-mover role is unique among American allies.
Many in US policy circles today see Australia as a canary in the Chinese coal mine – a middle-power democracy facing new political, diplomatic and economic pressure from Beijing.
Four years ago, I spent an extended time in Australia just as the US presidential race was heating up. At the time, worries about China predominated in policy circles but not yet in public opinion, and private sector people mused about balancing their American security partner with a Chinese economic one.
Read the full article in the Australian Financial Review.
More from CNAS
-
Operationalizing the Quad
Reports
The Quad—made up of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—is becoming the principal multilateral group shaping the geo-economic and technological future and the strat...
By Lisa Curtis, Jacob Stokes, Joshua Fitt & CDR Andrew J. Adams
-
Revitalizing the U.S.-Philippines Alliance to Address Strategic Competition in the Indo-Pacific
Reports
As competition with China intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, the United States is looking increasingly to its wide network of alliances and partnerships to confront the chal...
By CNAS U.S.-Philippines Alliance Task Force, Lisa Curtis, Joshua Fitt & Zachary Durkee
-
It’s Still Hard to Be America’s Ally
Commentary
The drive to enshrine a U.S. foreign policy for the American middle class may, in particular, pose new dilemmas for long-term allies....
By Richard Fontaine
-
Positive Visions, Powerful Partnerships
Reports
Restoring U.S. alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific is critical to competing effectively against China....
By Stephen Tankel, Lisa Curtis, Joshua Fitt & Coby Goldberg
