China

 China you are the respected neighbour of Australia.  We may have a pollie or two who are not wise with words when communicating with other countries. Nobody is perfect.  Forgiveness is the ultimate human virtue and a characteristic of mature countries.  We are way past the days of colonial imperialism when countries like Britain got too big for their boots thinking that they would make the world in their own image. China suffered from this as did the Australian Aborigines. We are moving in Australia to right the wrongs of this shameful past and China I am sure you observe this.  I am sure you understand The Uluru Statement from the Heart and the healing of Makarata as we understand and applaud how you have worked so hard to bring a higher standard of living to your people.

China at the moment you seem bent on being punitive with your neighbour Australia. We are concerned about the loss of your friendship more than we are about any economic hardship you can create for us. If our economy suffers we will have to tighten our belts and find new markets and new alliances with no offence to the great Chinese nation.

Underneath it all there seems to be worry that Australia's security might be threatened by larger nations like China. This can all be worked out at diplomatic level. Why do we need to to continue clandestine processes that only have negative outcomes for humanity in the longer term. I am sure such clandestine activities are perpetrated by both China and Australia.

China we have differences in how much freedom to allow our peoples, but this should not be a stumbling block to a strong friendship. The days of reds under the beds are also long gone. Australia and China have matured beyond this and this is a basis for a friendship that can make the South East Asian area the envy of the world.

Hong Kong and Taiwan have the potential to be sticking points of the future.  I hope not. They are China wanting to consolidate what they see as part of the great Chinese nation. The Chinese are clever enough to find peaceful ways to do this. Australia has to decide where it stands on these issues but the Chinese are too bright to expect Australia to sanction force or to agree to reduced freedoms for the Hong Kong and Taiwanese peoples. Tricky diplomatic matters that can be worked out without the use of force.

Come on China and Australia show your maturity in diplomatic relationships!

May the Force be with the human race and the Earth that is our home!

GD