US attempts to lure Australia into sea row

"Beijing may slowly be shifting from anti-access and area denial into a more power-projection focused force. Australia's geographic isolation has long been one of its strongest defences, as has been the case for the US. Yet, China's growing blue-water navy and its long-range missile forces threaten to put Canberra within range of the People's Liberation Army." Such comments come from a joint analysis of The ANZUS Alliance in an Ascending Asia by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Australian National University's Strategic and Defense Studies Center. The report appeals for Australian support of the US rebalance to Asia policy. Specifically, by making use of the think tanks, the US is pushing the Australian government to take part in the proposed joint patrol over the South China Sea. Invited by Washington, Canberra, taking China into account, is hesitating over whether to conduct such operations in these waters. There have been disagreements over the issue within the Australian government for a long time. China's activities in the South China Sea, from the viewpoint of some policymakers, will not affect Australia's interests. There is no need for the Australian government to be involved in the joint patrol with the US over the South China Sea. In addition, stumbling into the contest between China and the US in the region would harm the friendly relationship with China, which is one of the major concerns facing the Australian government. The Sino-Australian bilateral relationship is based on strong economic and trade complementarity. China is Australia's largest two-way trading partner in goods and services, largest goods export destination and largest source of merchandise imports, according to statistics from the Australia Embassy in China. The participation in the joint patrol, in some Australian politicians' view, may have negative effects on the country's economy. In the light of the above, Canberra has been reluctant to join the US in the naval operations in the South China Sea. However, Washington, eager to have Canberra as its ally in the disputed waters, is pushing the Australian government to make a decision. The report, which propagates the "China threat" theory, is a strong evidence of US efforts to pressure Canberra. By warning Canberra of possible threats from China's aircraft, naval vessels and long range missiles, Washington aims to provoke the public alertness against Beijing. Using the "China threat" theory as an excuse, Washington is expecting to urge Australian policymakers, under the pressure of public opinion, to decide on taking part in the joint patrol. Even though it was co-published with an Australian institute, the report mainly reflects the US stance. It is absurd to use China's advanced weapons to demonstrate its "threat" to neighboring countries. That China's long-range missiles have the capability to reach Canberra does not mean China will attack Australia. The US has the most advanced military equipment in the world and every corner of the world is within the reach of Washington. Does it mean the US is a threat to the whole world? The rise of other Asia-Pacific countries has challenged the previously uncontested US maritime superiority in the region. Washington, in the hope of sustaining this supremacy and control in the area, is now seeking support from its allies. Earlier this month, a delegation of some 40 personnel from Japan, under the invitation of the US, took part in the two-week joint military exercise "Talisman Sabre" between the US and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region, a move seen as targeting China. The US will find it tough to sustain its superiority in the region. It is wiser for Washington to adapt to the changing regional landscape rather than sticking to an outdated hegemonic mentality.