Advocating a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, a group of prominent Australians, including former politicians, diplomats, and academics, have called on the Australian government to adopt an activist middle power role to defuse tensions between the United States and China. Led by former Australian Foreign Affairs ministers Bob Carr and Gareth Evans, the group emphasized the need for a comprehensive new detente to prevent the conflict from escalating into a larger confrontation that could involve Australia. In a joint statement, the 50 public figures called on the government to act as an intermediary, promoting a balance of power in the region where the United States and China respect and recognize each other as equals.
Expressing concerns about the potential risk to global peace and prosperity, the group stressed that if neither side demands absolute primacy, the chances of a conflict would be significantly reduced. However, neither Washington nor Beijing have officially responded to the declaration at this time.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner, and the Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has taken steps to stabilize relations with Beijing following years of disagreement and distrust over geopolitical and trade disputes, including China’s ambitions in the Pacific and the origins of the Covid pandemic. However, Australia also has deep-seated security ties with the United States that date back to the 1950s.
Bob Carr described Australia’s role as that of an honest broker between the United States and China, emphasizing the opportunity to promote collaboration and diplomatic language as an alternative to conflict and war. He specifically mentioned Taiwan as a challenging diplomatic question where Australia can play a crucial role in defusing tensions.
While the Australian government acknowledges that there will be differences and difficulties in its bilateral relationship with China, it continues to pursue plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS accord with the United States and the United Kingdom. Analysts believe that China’s increasing assertiveness is a key motivation behind the trilateral agreement. However, China has denounced the alliance, accusing them of having a Cold War mentality and embarking on a path of error and danger.
The call from prominent Australian figures highlights the growing concerns about escalating tensions between the United States and China and the potential consequences for the Indo-Pacific region. As Australia navigates its delicate position as a middle power, the government will need to carefully balance its relationships with both superpowers while working towards a comprehensive new detente that promotes stability, collaboration, and respect between the United States and China. The outcome of these efforts will have significant implications not only for Australia but for global peace and prosperity as well.
