Who Are Australia's Arch-Nemeses?

Australia's relationship with other countries has been a dynamic one, with shifting geopolitical priorities and challenges. While Australia has historically relied on the United States as its primary ally, recent developments have prompted a shift towards engagement with Asian countries. This raises questions about potential enemies, which traditionally included countries like Japan during World War II, and more recently, terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Currently, China's growing influence and military might pose a perceived threat, while Russia's accusations and cyber activities also contribute to a tense relationship. Australia's focus on coalition-building within Asia indicates a recognition of shared regional interests and a potential shift in how it defines its enemies.

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China: Australia's largest trading partner and owner of large quantities of Australian assets

Australia's relationship with China is complex. As the country's largest trading partner, China is integral to Australia's economic prosperity. In 2023, China purchased $219 billion worth of Australian exports, accounting for 32.5% of Australia's total exports worldwide. This figure had risen by 2.6% from the previous year, when two-way trade with China totalled $325 billion. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) has further solidified this relationship, providing Australian businesses with greater access to the Chinese market and enhancing their competitive position.

China is also a significant foreign investor in Australia, with investments totalling almost $88 billion by the end of 2023. Chinese investment has historically focused on the mining sector but has since broadened to include infrastructure and healthcare. China's ownership of Australian assets extends beyond this, with substantial holdings in Australian real estate, pastoral industries, and strategic ports.

Despite their close economic ties, Australia and China have had their differences. In 2020, the Australian government shifted its strategic focus away from self-reliance and alignment with the United States, towards seeking security as part of a coalition of Asian countries. This change in direction may have influenced Australia's perception of China as a potential military threat. China's rapidly growing and modernising navy, for example, has been highlighted as a concern.

Additionally, while Australia adheres to a one-China policy, it also recognises the need to cooperate and disagree with China where necessary, acknowledging their differences in history, society, and political systems.

In conclusion, while China is Australia's largest trading partner and owner of significant Australian assets, their relationship is nuanced. Australia must navigate economic interdependence while also addressing potential geopolitical challenges and strategic differences.

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Russia: Vladimir Putin has accused Australia of joining a global axis against Russia

Russia's presence in Australia's backyard has been a growing concern for the country, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Australia of joining a new global "axis" with the United States and NATO. Putin drew parallels between this alliance and the World War II alliance between Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. He named Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea as potential members of a "global NATO," causing concern among Australian officials.

Putin's comments came amidst rising tensions between Russia and the West over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Putin depicted Russia's actions in Ukraine as a defensive pushback against an aggressive West, while Kyiv and its allies dismissed these claims, asserting that Russia seeks to cripple Ukraine's independence. Putin's announcement that Russia would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus further escalated tensions with NATO.

In addition to geopolitical concerns, Russia's presence in Australia's region has also impacted the country's election campaigns. Reports of Russia's attempts to base long-range aircraft in Indonesia sparked heated debates during the federal election campaign. The growing Russian presence in the Pacific, including its interest in Papua and Fiji, has shifted Australia's sense of isolation and protection by distance.

While Australia's military support for Ukraine has been limited, the country has made its stance clear. The conflict with Russia has primarily manifested in the cyber realm, affecting Australia's economy and contributing to inflation and the housing crisis.

In the context of an aggressive Russia, Europe has sought to strengthen its defence and strategic ties with allies, including Australia. However, some analysts caution against Australia signing defence pacts with Europe, arguing that relationships with Asian neighbours should be a higher priority. Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update reflects this shift, abandoning sole dependence on the United States and seeking security within a coalition of Asian countries.

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Indonesia: Australia continues to train the Indonesian military

Australia's relationship with Indonesia has been strained at times, with disagreements over issues such as East Timor, asylum-seeker boat turnbacks, and spying revelations. However, the two countries have been working to strengthen their defence ties and military cooperation.

In 2021, Indonesian troops were expected to join regular training exercises on Australian soil for the first time, marking a significant step in the deepening of defence ties between the two countries. While Indonesia already participated in naval exercises with Australia and occasional joint military exercises on Australian land, the two countries planned to increase their joint training initiatives and defence operational activities.

Australia and Indonesia have also been working to strengthen their interoperability and demonstrate their readiness to work together. In 2024, the two countries held joint combat drills off Indonesia's main island of Java, with approximately 2,000 troops training in air, maritime, amphibious, and land operations. This joint exercise, known as Exercise Keris Woomera, was a significant display of the growing defence relationship between Australia and Indonesia.

Australia's Defence Minister, Peter Dutton, has emphasised the importance of bolstering security cooperation with Indonesia in an increasingly contested region. As part of this cooperation, Australia provided 15 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Indonesia for peacekeeping operations and agreed to deepen defence education programs by hosting Indonesian cadets at Australian defence education facilities.

Through these joint training initiatives and defence agreements, Australia continues to play a role in training the Indonesian military, fostering a closer relationship and strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

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North Korea: Named as an enemy of Australia due to its weapons program

North Korea has been named as an enemy of Australia due to its weapons program. North Korea has claimed to have the weapons to launch a nuclear war, and experts have confirmed that the country has a nuclear arsenal that poses a threat not just to the region but also to the United States and its allies, including Australia.

North Korea's nuclear weapons program has been a concern for Australian national security. The country's development and testing of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile systems have heightened the risk of conflict on the Korean Peninsula, which would significantly impact Australia's national interests. The threat is indirect and long-term but could ultimately be disastrous, with potential economic harm and risks to the safety of Australians.

North Korea's actions have also undermined Australia's security alliance with the United States, as it highlights the limits of US power in the Asia Pacific region. As a US ally, Australia faces an immediate threat from North Korea's nuclear aggression. This situation has prompted discussions about Australia's defence capabilities and its reliance on the United States for security.

Australia's Prime Minister has stated that the country would "come to the aid of the United States" in any confrontation with North Korea. However, experts argue that isolating North Korea through sanctions and diplomatic exclusion has not been effective in curbing its nuclear program. Instead, it is suggested that Australia should influence the US to adopt a peace-building approach, focusing on dialogue and recognizing North Korea as a nuclear-weapons state.

North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a long-standing concern, with former US President George W. Bush labelling the country part of the 'axis of evil' in 2002 and vowing to fight against their 'weapons of mass destruction'. Despite these efforts, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear capabilities, and its actions pose a credible threat to regional stability and global peace.

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Muslim communities: Australian authorities have been accused of targeting Muslims as an easier political target

Australia's chief enemy at present is arguably China, its largest trading partner, which owns large quantities of Australian real estate, mining interests, pastoral industries, and its most northerly strategic port, among other assets. Other potential enemies include Russia, Indonesia, North Korea, and the UK.

However, the statement "Muslim communities: Australian authorities have been accused of targeting Muslims as an easier political target" is not accurate. While there is a significant amount of Islamophobia in Australia, it is not accurate to say that Australian authorities are targeting Muslims. Rather, various Australian politicians and political commentators have capitalized on negative stereotypes of Muslims, contributing to the marginalization, discrimination, and exclusion of the Muslim community. This social aversion and bias are often facilitated and perpetuated in the media through the stereotyping of Muslims as violent and uncivilized.

Islamophobia in Australia can be understood as a set of negative beliefs concerning the religion of Islam and as a contemporary outlet for general public anger and resentment toward migration and multiculturalism. This sentiment has a long history in Australia. For example, Muslim immigration to Australia was restricted under the White Australia Policy (1901–1975). During the First Gulf War, there were several racist attacks, including violence against Arabs and Muslims, property damage, and bomb threats to Islamic institutions. More recently, in 2014, anti-Islam groups campaigned against Australian food companies to stop them from offering halal-certified products, arguing that the cost of certification increases prices for all consumers and that the fees charged for certification were used to fund terrorism.

While there have been instances of Australians stepping forward to protect Muslims from intimidation and abuse, there is also a great sense of anxiety and fear among Australian Muslims. Shaykh Wesam Charkawi, an Imam at the Lakemba mosque in Sydney, has expressed the sense of ostracization felt by the Muslim community. This sentiment has been further exacerbated by incidents such as a fundraiser featuring a cartoon depicting an Imam being spit-roasted with a "halal-certified" stamp and the presence of sitting members of the Australian government at events held by the far-right and anti-Islam Q Society.

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