An Analysis Of Australia's "China Threat Theory" Since The 2008 Financial Crisis

In the 2008 financial crisis,Australia's economy has not been hit hard which thanks to its close economic relationship with China.However,this economic relationship has brought Australia's worries while bringing opportunities to Australia.Australia is concerned that the development of China-Australia bilateral economic relations will result in over-reliance on China's devolopment.And Australians doubt that China's development will challenge the existing international order,compete for the dominant power in the Asia Pacific region,and threaten its national interests in this region.Therefore,the government,academia,the media,and the general public have universally discussed the “China threat theory”.While welcoming the opportunities brought by China's rise and strengthening its economic relations with China,it also stressed the importance of its alliance with the US military security and effectively supports the US participation in economic and security affairs in the Asia Pacific region.The “China threat theory” promoted by Australia has three major characteristics:attitude towards it is stable and uniform and inconsist in economic and security fields.The causes for this theory include the differences in social ideology and values,the rapid development of China's economy and the constant friction and disputes between China and the United States.These factors have caused Australia to adopt complex and contradictory policy options in the face of the so-called “China threat theory” and have been looking for a balance to ensure the maintenance of its security interests with the United States while maintaining its economic interests with China.When confronting the “China threat theory” promoted by Australia,China needs to adhere to principles,to continue to deepen the economic cooperation with Australia,to strengthen national policy interpretation,and to conduct extensive exchanges of folk culture among two nation's people.These measures can help Australians understand China,and gradually abandon their misconception--“China threat theory”.