United States President Barack Obama has just arrived in Australia. He is here for just 27 hours, which hardly gives him time to ‘knock over a stubby’, and ‘woof down a snag’. Alright, enough of the ridiculous Australian colloquialisms. This is a trip sandwiched in between two events; the APEC conference in Hawaii and important talks with Indonesian President Susilo BangBang Yudhoyono at the East Asia Summit. Though it is a very short visit, its impact sends a strong message around the world, especially to Asia, that Australia and the United States are strong allies and will demonstrate that in two significant events during Obama’s time in Australia.
Firstly, Obama will celebrate 60 years of the ANZUS Treaty. Secondly, he will travel to Darwin to announce that American marines will be rotated through a military base there. So, even though this is a fleeting visit, what the United States is telling the world in 27 hours is that it and Australia are very firm friends indeed and that through that friendship, they will be allowed much more muscle in this part of the world than they have had before. What Australia is saying is merely confirming what it has always been said about the US for years; relations with that country are strong and powerful and they are more than welcome to extend their arm further into this country.
That’s what the most obvious signal is. But what is this visit really saying? Is this a case of America running in and taking over…again? Friendship and ‘cooperation’ are great words and kisses at the airport between Gillard and Obama are all well and good, but friendships are only really valued when they are tested. China is watching very closely. Although Obama says that he is not scared of China, the watchful eye is glancing northward. Putting a marine base at the top end of Australia sends a message that the might and power of the United States is merely a stone’s throw away. China won’t be ignoring the next 27 hours, but they won’t be jumping up and down either. It is almost like the showdown at high noon in the old westerns, but this time there will be a lot of staring but no guns or inevitable death.
It’s not just the US that China will be watching. They will have seen over many years the positive relationship that Australia has had with the US. I am sure like a lot of us, they have wondered whether Australia just panders to the US, rather than sees itself as an equal and respected partner and ally. Former Prime Minister John Howard did nothing to quell those fears. Coupled with a great friendship with one of the most mindless Presidents in US history, Howard disassociated himself with Asia for most of his nearly 12 years in power. China saw the back of Australia more times than it saw its face. Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd re-engaged with China in a big way, but let China know that it could be a tough friend when it needed to be. His intimate knowledge of Chinese culture and language made him someone who could talk to China at a much deeper level, but also maintain the friendship with the US.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said a few days ago, ” we believe we can have a friend in China and an ally in the United States.” Notice she never referred to China as an ally. China is like Russia; smile and be nice, but be careful about every step they take. By her saying that, she has reaffirmed her predecessor’s thoughts by saying that Australia’s door is open, but the United States is our ally and will remain so.
A commentator said today that the friendship will be tested if and when the issue of Taiwan comes to a head. This is where the purpose of the military base will kick in. History has shown us that we fight whenever the US tell us to, but we also need to know when to say no. We need to be that tough friend with the US too. Surely Gillard and her government are well aware of what it means to allow the US military to be based here…and in Darwin of all places.
Let’s hope that we haven’t dug a hole too big to get out of. One thing the United States is good at doing is creating big problems that lead to military quagmires that end in pathetic stalemates. We need only mention Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The issue isn’t whether they will recover. They are big. They always do.
It’s the little countries, especially members of treaties such as ANZUS, that stood behind them who are left covered in mud carrying the water.
Enjoy your day
