Identity Politics and the Poverty of Diplomacy - China in Australia's 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper

Australia’s long-awaited 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper came on the eve of the 45th anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic relations. As its largest trading partner and a rising regional powerhouse, China features prominently throughout this policy blueprint. The White Paper notes the need to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, partly because of “China’s growing influence on the regional and global issues of greatest consequence to our security and prosperity”. Yet, if the White Paper is any guide, China’s growing influence is also what worries Australian leaders the most at the moment.