Leslie Massey
Australia's foreign policy during the Cold War was largely influenced by its alliance with the United States, with the country unequivocally supporting the Americans. This support was driven by Australia's fear of the Communist threat, particularly following the Japanese invasion of South-East Asia during World War II, which led to Australia's participation in American proxy wars in Korea and Vietnam. Despite this, Australia disagreed with the U.S. on several occasions during the Cold War and maintained good relations with the Soviet Union.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country supported during the Cold War | United States |
| Reason for supporting the US | To prevent the Communist "thrust into South-East Asia" |
| Australia's involvement in the Cold War | Involved in American proxy wars, particularly in Korea and Vietnam |
| Australia's foreign policy influenced by | Cold War |
| US-Australia relationship | Close military bond |
| Australia's stance on China | Australia has independent relationships with the US and China |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's alliance with the US
During the Cold War, Australia unequivocally supported the United States, its primary military ally, and this position greatly influenced Australian foreign policy.
Following World War II, Australia sought military support from the US, recognising that Britain was inadequate for defending its sparsely populated country. This decision was influenced by the Japanese invasion of South-East Asia and the bombing of Darwin during the war. As a result, Australia developed a close relationship with the US, which continued into the Cold War era.
Australia's support for the US during the Cold War manifested in several ways. Australian troops were committed to the Vietnam War, which was viewed as an attempt to strengthen the alliance with the US following Britain's withdrawal "east of Suez". Australia also participated in the Korean War, sending land, sea, and air forces to support South Korea, which was backed by the US.
However, it is important to note that Australia's relationship with the US during the Cold War was not without disagreements. At several crucial moments in the first half of the Cold War, Australia disagreed with US policies. Nonetheless, the alliance between the two countries remained strong, and Australia continued to play a significant role in US-led conflicts during this period.
In recent years, Australia has sought to maintain a balanced approach in its relationships with both the US and China, recognising the importance of de-escalating tensions between the two powers.
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Australia's involvement in the Korean War
During the Cold War, Australia unequivocally supported the Western Bloc, led by the United States. The country's foreign policy was heavily influenced by the Cold War, and Australia sought to strengthen its alliance with the US. This was driven by a fear of communism on its doorstep, with Australia's close proximity to communist countries in Asia.
The Korean War was the first conflict of the Cold War, and Australia was one of 21 countries that supported South Korea against the communist North. The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean troops crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea. Australia entered the war on September 28, 1950, and personnel from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Australian Regular Army (ARA) served for three years in the defence of South Korea.
The Australian battalion joined the British 27th Brigade, which was renamed the 27th Commonwealth Brigade. As UN forces advanced into North Korea, they were led by the US, with the 27th Commonwealth Brigade at the forefront. The Australians of 3 RAR took the lead in the advance, with C Company as the leading company. The war lasted three years, one month, and two days, ending with an armistice that formed the Demilitarized Zone, which still exists today.
Over 17,000 Australians served during the Korean War, with 340 killed and over 1,216 wounded. Despite this involvement and sacrifice, the Australian public was indifferent to the war, and many returning servicemen went unnoticed. Australian Forces remained in Korea as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force until 1957.
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Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War
During the Cold War, Australia unequivocally supported the Western Bloc, led by the United States. This was due to several factors, including the fear of communism on their doorstep, the memory of Japanese invasion during World War II, and the desire to strengthen military alliances with powerful nations. Australia's commitment to the Vietnam War was a significant manifestation of this support for the Western Bloc and its opposition to the spread of communism.
The Australian forces provided valuable expertise in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency tactics, gained from their previous experiences in Malaya and during World War II. RAAF fighter pilots served as forward air controllers, directing strike aircraft against enemy targets. The RAN contributed destroyers on six-month rotations for shore bombardment, as well as a clearance diving team and a helicopter detachment. Australia's ground forces were involved in heavy actions, such as the battle near Long Tan in August 1966.
The Vietnam War caused significant social and political dissent in Australia, with an increasingly influential anti-war movement and opposition to conscription. Protests against Australia's involvement grew over time, with over 200,000 people marching in the streets in the early 1970s. The withdrawal of Australian forces began in November 1970, and by January 1973, Australian involvement in hostilities had ceased. However, a small contingent remained to guard the Australian embassy in Saigon until June 1973.
In total, approximately 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, with 521 killed and over 3,000 wounded. It was Australia's longest war until it was surpassed by the War in Afghanistan, and it remains the largest force contribution to a foreign conflict since World War II.
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Australia's relationship with China
During the Cold War, Australia unequivocally supported the United States, its main ally in the Asia-Pacific region, against the opposing camp of China, North Vietnam, and the USSR. This support was driven by the fear of communism on Australia's doorstep and resulted in Australia's heavy involvement in the Vietnam War and the Malayan Emergency against Chinese communist rebels.
Consular relations between China and Australia were established in 1909, and diplomatic relations were established in 1941. However, after the Communist Party took control of mainland China in 1949, Australia continued to recognise the Republic of China (ROC) government in Taiwan until 1972, when it switched recognition to the People's Republic of China (PRC). This decision was influenced by warming relations between China and the West, especially the United States, and Australia's fear of abandonment by the US during its retreat from the Vietnam War.
In recent years, Australia and China have experienced significant fluctuations in their bilateral relationship. In 2007, China became Australia's largest trading partner, and in 2014, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, solidifying their economic ties. However, tensions have surfaced since 2017, with Australia criticising China's political system and increasing its defence ties with the US, including the AUKUS security pact in 2021, which China denounced as a manifestation of a 'cold war mentality'. In 2020, China warned Australia to "distance" itself from the US, accusing the US of pushing for a "new Cold War", and tensions continue over economic and geopolitical issues.
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Australia's relationship with the USSR
Australia unequivocally stood by the United States during the Cold War. As the international community polarised into opposing alliances led by the respective superpowers, Australia moved to strengthen its alliance with the US. This led Australia to become involved in American proxy wars during the Cold War, particularly in Korea and Vietnam.
However, Australia's relationship with the USSR was more complex. During the late 1940s, Australia's relations with the USSR deteriorated as the Iron Curtain descended across Europe and Soviet proxy governments were established in several Eastern European countries. Australia actively opposed a Soviet land blockade of West Berlin and took part in the Berlin airlift. Following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Australian and Soviet foreign policy were diametrically opposed. Australia was the first country after the United States to deploy forces to Korea.
During the 1970s, Cold War tensions between the US and the USSR eased, and the period of détente included political summit conferences, economic agreements leading to increased trade, and strategic arms limitations agreements. This period of détente ended with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
Despite the tensions between the two countries, Australia was on good terms with the USSR, with a large acceptance of unions and some communist ideologists in the Australian government. During the Whitlam government, relations between Australia and the USSR were particularly strong. On 3 July 1974, then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam granted de jure recognition of the incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the USSR.
In summary, while Australia unequivocally supported the US during the Cold War, its relationship with the USSR was more nuanced, with periods of improved relations and détente interspersed with times of tension and opposition.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia supported the United States during the Cold War.
Australia was afraid of the spread of Communism into South-East Asia, and wanted to prevent Communist "thrust into South-East Asia". The country also wanted to strengthen its alliance with the US, which was seen as a more powerful ally than Britain.
Australia committed troops to the Vietnam War and was involved in the Malayan Emergency against Chinese communist rebels. The country also signed the ANZUS Treaty in 1951, agreeing to 'act to meet the common danger' if Australian 'territory, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft' in the Pacific were attacked.
No. During the first half of the Cold War, Australia disagreed with the US's policy towards China. Australia also continued to 'buy British' for its military technology during the first part of the Cold War.
There was a degree of acceptance of communist ideologies in the Australian government during the Cold War. However, the country was also galvanised by the fear of communism, as seen during the highly publicised Petrov Affair in 1954.
