Australia's Strategic Dilemma: The Australia-US-China Triangle

Chien-jung Hsu

《Prospect Journal》 17期 (2017/04) Pp. 93-110

摘要

Although Obama's government tacitly voiced concerns on the rise of China, and maintained that Australia does not need to choose between the United States and China, Trump's unpredictable policy and ignorance of the complexity of the international geopolitical order may place Australia in a situation where that choice has to be made. Australia’s enduring alliance with the United States continues to act as a crucial force multiplier for Australia's security policy. Such an alliance, however, can be affected by two variables: the rise of China and the uncertain role of the US in the Asia-Pacific since Trump became president. The conventional view calls for a more active regional security policy so that Australia can weather the destabilizing effects caused by China and a wavering US. Although the Australia-US alliance has effectively advanced both nations' interests for decades, the rise of China could affect this alliance-in other words, in facing a rising China, Australia might have to modify its alliance with the US and forge a closer relationship with China. However, so far Australia appears to prioritize its ties with America over those with China.

關鍵字

TPP ； Donald J. Trump ； ANZUS ； Pivot to Asia ； Asia-Pacific