The Kate's Vine

  It is clear that Taiwan shares much in common with Australia. It is an island in the Pacific with a population of 23 million people, a population of indigenous people with a long history, and is a country with a complex relationship with China and the United States. However, little is known about Taiwan among many Australians. Taiwan is most often referred to as a security risk or “flashpoint” in world affairs. This is especially so in Australia, where Taiwan is seen through the prism of our relationship with China and what relations between these two countries mean for regional stability. However, continued references to Taiwan in this way only serve to diminish and obfuscate the important relationship Australia actually has with Taiwan. Taiwan as a partner in the Asia-Pacific region Taiwan’s successful political model, functioning inside a culturally Chinese society, is proof that Chinese culture and democracy are compatible. Australia and Taiwan do not have official diplomatic...

    Australians who are concerned about the  slowing Chinese economy  may find some solace in the fact that Canberra is already frantically trying to hammer out a Free Trade Agreement with India, the second-most populous nation in the world. There is every reason to expect that India will rank among Australia’s top trading partners if all goes according to plan. She has the potential to become Australia’s largest trading partner at this time, the “new China,” as it is known in some circles. The declarations made by its federal ministers show how eager Australia is to provide its service and manufacturing sectors access to India’s enormous market. According to ET, Australia, which is quickly becoming a significant partner of India in the Indo-Pacific region, wants to go beyond security and defence cooperation and is in negotiations with New Delhi to establish a trade partner to help the country’s mining industry and wine sales recover from a trade war with China. ...