Australia, a medium power and a fully fledged democracy within the Asia Pacific region, should and can make good use of this leverage to play a pivotal role in persuading the Chinese leadership into moving towards a democratic political system.
It is widely acknowledged that economic relations between China and Australia have increased significantly to the benefit of both nations. But I would like to say something different in this regard: the strong economic relations between the two is benefiting Australia and a handful of Chinese leadership and elites, but by no means the powerless Chinese masses.
Australia’s ability to continue to criticise China’s human rights abuses demonstrates courage and morality. The best example was when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd addressed Chinese students at Beijing University, speaking in Mandarin, referred to "significant human rights problems in Tibet". His remarks were greatly and gratefully applauded by powerless Chinese people, but of course they embarrassed Chinese leaders.
Advertisement
But the recent closed-door talks with Chinese leaders received strong criticism. A high profile relationship with Communist China can mean temporary economic benefits, but in the long run can ruin both national image and future benefits. Lobbying by the US and other Western democracies to increase China’s influence within the IMF was harmful and it was not a wise move at all.
History repeats, unless we learn from it.
Australia has appeared reluctant to pursue closer political/military ties with China and was once dubbed as “deputy sheriff” of the US for its close alliance with Bush’s “pre-emptive” policy. If one day Australia becomes dubbed as the “deputy Sheriff” of Communist China, the international image of Australia will be severely undermined.
The world needs to be acutely aware of the essence of issues concerning China, and the Chinese people must become acutely aware of the essence of the Chinese Communist Party.
All Chinese, men and women, old and young, should speak out about their sincere hopes and beliefs for justice and democracy, to bring these essential values into political realisations.
A review of the lyrics of The Wound of History - an outcry at the then Chinese leadership, brings a fresh recollection of what happened on June 4, 1989:
Advertisement
Blindfolding us, you expect us to see nothing,
Plugging our ears, you expect us to hear nothing,
Yet the truth is in our heart,
The pain is in our chest,
How much longer do we have to endure?
How much longer do we have to be kept silent?
If tears can wash away all dust,
If blood can exchanged for freedom,
Let tomorrow remember today’s outcry,
Let the world see the wound of history.
Discuss in our Forums
See what other readers are saying about this article!
Click here to read & post comments.
4 posts so far.