Former Ambassador Warns of Australia-China Ties

Australia's ambassador to China says relations are cold.

In short:

Graham Fletcher said Australia's government quietly rejected China's efforts to work together on infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Mr Fletcher said China and Australia have very different ideas about the region.

What's next?

He said the relationship could get worse again.

Australia's former ambassador to China says the relationship is fragile.

Graham Fletcher was ambassador to China from 2019 and helped stabilize the relationship after 2022.

In a report, Mr Fletcher said the government thinks the current relationship is 'good enough'.

Graham Fletcher says stability is not guaranteed.

He said China's economic pressure showed that it would use its power when needed.

The former ambassador said China and Australia have very different views.

The difference in views and security goals is too big.

It would be pointless for Australia to try to be close to China.

The difference in views will always make the relationship fragile.

Mr Fletcher said a big crisis like China invading Taiwan is possible but not likely now.

But he said the relationship could get worse if there are many disagreements.

China is getting more sensitive about restrictions on its technology and investment.

Unrest in the Pacific Islands could make the contest for influence sharper.

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