Sino-Australian ties benefit both

In March, Canberra banned Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from tendering for contracts in Australia's broadband rollout, citing concerns about cyber attacks. This was perceived as a move obstructing Chinese companies' normal business in Australia. If incidents like this keep happening, it will dampen Chinese investors' enthusiasm in forging business ties with Australia and chill the atmosphere for bilateral interaction.

Many people in China believe Canberra has actively responded to Washington's rebalancing strategy in Asia, which is seen as largely intended to contain China's rise in the region. This year, its move to welcome US marines in Darwin and discussions on allowing the US military to use the Cocos Islands in western Australia as a new base for US surveillance aircraft have been interpreted as providing stepping-stones for the US to beef up its military presence in the region and meddle in regional affairs.

In fact, as a country that increasingly projects itself as a member of the Asia-Pacific club, Canberra does not need to follow Washington's every step, especially when efforts to strengthen their traditional alliance might have a negative impact on its relations with Beijing. Double-dealing is not recommended either, as it is short-sighted and would erode Canberra's credibility.

Some signals from Canberra in November indicate the country is willing to deepen mutual understanding and build more political mutual trust with Beijing. Its "Asian Century" white paper rolled out a blueprint for engaging in a broader and deeper sense with the continent, especially with its major players - China and India. Meanwhile, high-ranking Australian officials have repeatedly brushed off Australia's involvement in the US containment of China in the Asia-Pacific.

While the white paper bears the emblem of Australia's growing awareness of the importance of Asia, its officials' remarks that distance the country from the US containment strategy shows Canberra is trying to strike a balance in its relations with Washington and Beijing.

Maintaining robust Sino-Australian relations caters to the interests of both sides. To ensure that cooperation continues to prosper and the relationship grows on smooth terrain, both sides should accommodate each other and avoid moves that may plant the seeds of misunderstanding or distrust.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

(China Daily 12/24/2012 page8)