Australia's Relationships with Asia, Indonesia, Japan, China, and Pacific Islands

Running head: AUSTRALIA AND THE WORLD
Australia and the world
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note:

1AUSTRALIA AND THE WORLD
Answer to the question number 1
Traditionally, Australia and Asia have anxious and strained relationship despite
geographical nearness. After war, this scenario has been changed and now, Australia and
Asia have been embarked on new relationship through immigration, travel, trade, security
concerns and cultural exchange. Closer political, cultural and economic development with
Asia have been started in early 1990’s through prime minister Paul Keating and since there
have been contrasting viewpoint regarding this relationship. Government undertook various
initiatives and engagement to raise awareness of Asian region including the program National
Asian Languages Study in Australian Schools (NALSAS). At that time, there also accepting
huge number of immigrants from Asian region which includes Malaysia, Hong Kong,
Mainland China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and India. However, public opinion at that time
was at contrast with the government. After that Hawke government followed the examples of
Keating government, but Howard government has unravelled many initiatives of both the
government. The relationship took a serious hit after terrorist attacks in New York, Bali and
Jakarta. In response to this, Howard government has made closer ties USA and cancelled the
NALSAS program. Although, Australian government have took the decision to renew ties
with Asia-Pacific development at 16th APEC meeting. Recently, new generation of college
educated young Australians have started interacting more with Asian generation and culture.
Recent survey suggested that 62 percent Australian have spent some time with friends from
Asian heritage. This survey also reports that at least once a year, 25 per cent of Australian
have took part in some kind of Asian activities like travelling to Asia, took part in Asian
festivities and culture. Furthermore, now a days, few number of Australians also taking
interest in learning an Asian culture or language (Pietsch & Aarons, 2012).

2AUSTRALIA AND THE WORLD
Answer to the question number 2
According to the author Hugh White, Indonesia should become an economic
powerhouse by 2040 if they are able maintain the 5 percent GDP growth per year. However,
recent condition and situation in Indonesia seems to point towards other direction. Some
Australian perceived this as a good news because of less competition but the author provides
some counter arguments. The author argues that this the best time to consider Indonesia as
potential ally as Indonesia can offer Australia shielding and protection from distant threats.
The geographical location of Indonesia can also be a strategic asset to Australia as mentioned
in 1986 Dibb review where Indonesia was described as a protective barrier to the northern
side of Australia. Along with that, right now, China has becoming the dominant power in the
region as US dominancy fades. The author predicted that managing China’s increasing
influence and power will be the main theme of Australia’s foreign policy in the coming
decade. To this aspect, friendship with Indonesia can help tackle this particular problem
better and Indonesia has the potential to be the greatest ally of Australia. Additionally, the
good relationship between China and Indonesia has also been severed since 1965 after that
failed coup. Consequently, Indonesia also needs ally to tackle China apart from taking
decision to stand alone. This might just smoothen the initiation and rebuilding process
between the two countries. Finally, the author argues that while Australia can never ignore
the threat and danger Indonesia poses, but in current situation Australia cannot really ignore
the benefits of having Indonesia as an ally (White, 2018).
Answer to the question number 3
After the end of Second World War, Australia and Japan began a close economic
relationship and it has turn into one of the closest bilateral relationship in the span of last six
decades. Both Australia and Japan have strong tie up with the United States of America and
shared commitments like democratic values, maritime security, and trade and navigational