August 7, 2016

"Half a month after the arbitral tribunal in the Hague ruled against China over the South China Sea disputes, Australia inked a joint statement with the US and Japan, urging China to abide by the arbitration panel's decision. Considering the close Beijing-Canberra economic ties, Australia's intervention in the South China Sea is surprising to many.

In fact, Australia's foreign policy is determined by its diplomatic traditions and national interests. No matter which party is in office, Canberra has always taken a stance accordant with the US on a number of international affairs, and this diplomatic tradition has lasted for decades. Therefore, at a time when the Pentagon stirs up troubles in the South China Sea, the Australian government, in an attempt to pander to its ally, follows suit and involves itself in the disputes regardless of China's interests."

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http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/998942.shtml

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