The U.S.-Australia Alliance and Australia’s Evolving Orientation in Asia
In the wake of the Quad summit in Tokyo and the steady operationalization of the AUKUS military pact, Australia’s role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy is becoming ever-more important. Apart from the United States itself, only Australia is a member of both groupings. It appears that Australia has emerged as among the frontline states in Washington’s strategy to counter, or even contain, China. On the other hand, Beijing seems to be in no mood to pull back on the harsh economic measures it has taken against Canberra, measures that have not gone down well in Australia. Are U.S.-Australia ties becoming hostage to the single issue of countering China? Are Australia-China relations at a point of no return? How will the Australian elections change Canberra’s preferences?
To unpack all these issues and more, join us for a panel discussion featuring Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia; Hugh White, Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University; and Sam Roggeveen, Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute. Sarang Shidore, Director of Studies at the Quincy Institute, will moderate.