Fact Check: "China's coercive tactics are a significant threat to Australia's sovereignty."
What We Know
China has increasingly employed coercive tactics in its foreign relations, particularly towards Australia. According to a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the People's Republic of China (PRC) utilizes a range of economic and non-economic tools to influence, punish, and deter foreign governments, which has become a key part of its international strategy (ASPI). This includes the use of trade restrictions and state-issued threats, particularly in response to decisions made by other countries regarding human rights and national security (ASPI).
In 2020, Australia experienced a series of punitive trade measures from China, which were largely seen as retaliatory actions following Australia's ban on Huawei and its call for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 (McGregor). The Lowy Institute's polling indicates that public trust in China among Australians is low, with only 20% expressing any level of trust, reflecting the long-standing tensions between the two nations (McGregor).
Furthermore, China's military maneuvers in the region, including unannounced live-fire exercises near Australian waters, have raised concerns about its intentions and capabilities (McGregor). This militarization, coupled with economic coercion, poses a significant challenge to Australia's sovereignty and its ability to make independent policy decisions.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that China's coercive tactics threaten Australia's sovereignty is substantial. The ASPI report highlights that coercive diplomacy has surged, with tactics employed by China sitting at levels much higher than in previous years. This escalation is not just limited to economic measures but extends to military posturing, which directly impacts Australia's national security and policy autonomy.
Moreover, the U.S.-China Competition article underscores the complexities of Australia's position between its alliance with the U.S. and its economic ties to China. The tensions arising from this duality are exacerbated by China's coercive tactics, which aim to undermine Australia's sovereignty by pressuring it to align more closely with Chinese interests rather than its own.
While some sources argue that China's coercive tactics have had mixed success in changing the policies of targeted governments, the overarching narrative remains that these tactics are designed to instill fear and deter independent decision-making (ASPI). The implications of such coercion extend beyond immediate economic impacts, as they challenge the fundamental principles of sovereignty and self-determination for Australia.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is strong, with reports from established institutions like the ASPI and the Lowy Institute providing credible insights into the geopolitical dynamics at play. These organizations are recognized for their research on security and international relations, lending weight to their findings.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "China's coercive tactics are a significant threat to Australia's sovereignty" is substantiated by credible evidence indicating that China's use of economic and military coercion directly undermines Australia's ability to make independent policy decisions. The ongoing tensions and the historical context of China's actions towards Australia further reinforce this conclusion.
Sources
- U.S.-China Competition: A View from Australia and the Pacific
- Countering China’s coercive diplomacy - ASPI
- Testing a Rival's Response: China's Gray Zone Tactics in Australia
- China Trends #23 - Canada, Japan and Australia: Swing States or Pawns?
- The gathering storm: urgent geoeconomic threats and Australia’s national security crisis
- Hidden Lessons from China’s Coercion Campaign against Australia
- US commander says China has failed to coerce rival states in South
- Australia–China misperceptions a product of their asymmetric relationship
