Peter Hartcher, political and international editor of The Sydney Morning Herald has produced for Quarterly Essay, Issue 76 2019, a thorough and compelling examination of China and its intentions. He opens with a question about the rise of China: 'what does the supreme ruler of China want to do with all this power?'
There is an enormous difference between a desire to influence for mutual benefit and an intention to dominate.
After 25,000 words of reportage and analysis that covers the ways in which China has changed in recent years and where those new directions might be taking us, because we are irrevocably closely linked with China, Hartcher states that more than ever we must choose Australia, the best interests of Australia, as a democracy, flawed as it may be. In the chapter titled A Watchdog With Teeth Hartcher warns that 'an ideology of authoritarianism animated by a psychology of totalitarianism' means that China will keep on pressing for total control, and it must be resisted.
It requires being clear-eyed, clear-headed. Australia needs to develop a consistently strong stance through legislation, policy and vigilance to resist unwanted intrusion and at the same time embracing the many admirable qualities of the Chinese people who have contributed so much to this country and continue to do so.
