Australia’s Trade Dance with China: Economic Dependency Amid Security Risks

As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, the facade of cordial diplomacy masks a deeper strategic dilemma for Canberra. While both leaders stress seeking common ground, Australia's growing economic dependency on China—its largest trading partner—poses real risks that Washington warns against.Is Australia Trading Sovereignty for Short-Term Gains?China's promise to set aside differences and focus on mutual economic interests glosses over fundamental disputes on human rights abuses and regional militarization. Yet, Australia remains tethered to China's market; about one in four Australian jobs depends on trade ties largely based on raw materials like iron...