Article Link: https://www.reuters.com/business/australia-open-china-investors-security-issues-crucial-firb-2021-10-14/
The Australian government has opened up to Chinese investors after China has declined its investment in Australia. China is Australia’s biggest trade partner as China is close in distance with excellent resources. Over the years the Chinese have not been as interested in Australia which led to needing critical resources like coal which China has limited numbers of. The Australian government has put stricter laws regarding international investment. The reason is to focus on the security of the country. Australia is letting China continue to invest and help Australia as long as China does not take advantage of Australia. Australia has put a huge focus on its security and will continue to do so.
China has recently had the interest to invest and access information about Australia’s internal and external plans. Australia has agreed to let China invest, however will make national security is the number one priority. Australia has dealt with this situation very well. China isn’t the friendliest of countries to work with as they are communist. Also, I love the fact that Australia’s number one priority is national security. Too many times countries worry about helping out other countries which can lead to information leaks. It shouldn’t have to be said that the government’s main job is to protect their own country and it is good to see Australia following that through.
Australia is part of the Pacific Islands Forum which is an IGO consisting of nations close to and around Australia. The majority of the Pacific Islands Forum is made of small countries. To many of those small countries, it is good to see Australia putting its foot in the ground and not backing down from China. China has probably thoughts of overtaking some of the countries in the Pacific Islands Forum as they are weak, but they have strong nations backing them up like Australia. Australia would also have help from others like the U.S. and other European countries.