Australia-China relations have dwindled for years, especially since 2017 when Australia warned about Chinese influence on politics and exposed Chinese business donations to Australian politicians. However, recently something happened that created worse tensions between the two countries. China announced that Australian citizen Cheng Lei is suspected of endangering national security. Soon after, two Australian media workers were told to rush home. These workers are named Bill Birtles and Mike Smith. Birtles gave an interview to the BBC, saying that he felt like a “pawn in a diplomatic tussle” and “It was whirlwind week.” Birtles says that before he could leave, 6 or 7 Chinese officials showed up on his doorstep to tell him that he was involved in a suspected national security case and that he could not leave the country. After some back and forth, he went into questioning and soon after was sent back to Australia.
I believe this article sums up the China and Australia relationship well. It explained the current issues as well as issues leading up from 2017. It is expected that this relationship will go further into disarray. Their trade relations has dwindled for many years. I think that China was a bit forceful on their questioning of Bill Birtles by having so many officials show up and tell him he couldn’t leave. I think that move sends a strong, warning message to Australia. I think Australia warned Birtles to get out of China because they suspected that China would try and question him. I think this interaction will have an impact that will further destroy the Australian-China relationship.
How do we develop a solution to this problem? First we clarify our goals, which is to create a better relationship between China and Australia. Next we propose an order, which could be that Australia attacks China. After that, we choose some alternatives, such as better international communications or building trade relations. Now, we think of the consequences. If Australia attacks China, that would lead to a war, which will potentially kill thousands and leave one country worse off in the end. Finally, we choose the best alternative, which would be to either create better communications or improve trade. Both of these solutions have low risks involved and therefore is a better path to take.