Australia

Is power and resource competition a threat to Antarctica?

14 Nov 2019

US Putting Australia at Risk: 5 Geopolitical Effects You Need to Know

1. US-China trade war hurting Australian economy Australia is reportedly facing a very serious threat to it’s economy from the US-China trade war, as the domestic economy is taking a big hit. Andrew Charlton, a director of economic strategy firm AlphaBeta and former economic adviser to Kevin Rudd during the global financial crisis, said: “We have a number of really important frailties in our economy, like very high debt levels, like the ongoing playout of a housing correction, it’s only been this week that the has downgraded our GDP growth.” These negative effects have been clearly blamed on the US-China trade war, and their impact on Australian markets, with the ASX down and $50 billion wiped off Australian stocks this week. Despite the many worries of the risk of the trade war on the Australian economy, there is still confidence, as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said: “We shouldn’t overreact to these developments but we should recognise that China’s currency moves and the increase in US tariffs are an unwanted escalation.” It is clear that any further economic escalation from China or the US could plunge the Australian economy. 2. US wants Australia to oppose China The US sees Australia as a vital partner to oppose China’s economic and geopolitical influence, as US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said The U.S.-Australia alliance is “more vital than ever,” adding: “I want Australians to know they can always rely on the United States of America.” It is clear that the US intends to underline Australia’s importance in the fight against China, knowing that their economy is suffering from the situation. It remains to be seen how Australia will respond, but it appears unlikely that they leave the US’s side. Subscribe to unlock the other 3 Points We wish we didn't have to do this, but only paid subscribers can read the full article, Unlike other publishers, we are not the beneficiaries of State funds and are entirely dependent on our supporters to keep KJ Vids functioning. Please subscribe to read the rest of the article. 3. Have US-Australian relations always been about China? 4. Australia finally opposes US 5. The need for US fuel remains By investing in KJ Vids, you are investing in yourself Our content succinctly contextualises the key geopolitical trends you need to know in order to make sense of world events. We can assure you that a regular dose of our content will be as healthy as fruit and vegetables for your mind. Subscribe for only £10 a month.

7 Aug 2019

Australia’s response to China’s rise

Australia has been a loyal supporter of the US-centred international order for decades. But like many other powers in the Indo-Pacific, today it must cope with China’s rise. The PRC is a primary economic partner, but it is also a geopolitical challenge due to its growing presence in the countries around Australia. As such, relations with Beijing and Washington will shape Canberra’s foreign policy in the years to come. Australia’s Geopolitics Australia is a vast island with a 24 million-strong population concentrated on its south-eastern coasts, which also represents the main fertile area in a mostly desert country. Australia has a developed economy: in 2017 its GDP amounted to around $1.25 trillion in terms of purchasing power parity, and it grew of 2.2% in the same year. It is an important exporter of minerals and agricultural products, and like all islands it depends on the sea lanes of communication to engage in trade. Militarily, is has relatively small but well-quipped armed forces; with the Navy being the most developed branch. In addition, it is gradually modernizing its assets. All in all, while it ranks as a middle power in absolute terms, it is a true hegemon at the regional level. Along with New Zealand, its junior partner, Australia has kept the islands of Melanesia – namely Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu – firmly in its sphere of influence for decades. This was done by using a combination of trade, economic aid and security cooperation; and has occasionally caused some degree of political tension between these states and Australia.

8 May 2019

China hits back at claims of ‘secretly infiltrating’ Australia

7 Jun 2017