Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honoured guests,
Today, I stand before you to address a question of profound significance—not just for Australia, but for the broader region and the global community. The question we must ask is this: Will our nation chart an independent course that serves our economic interests, respects our multicultural community, and upholds the principles of fairness and sovereignty? Or will we find ourselves drawn into conflicts and alliances that compromise all three?
History provides us with countless lessons about the perils of subservience to foreign powers. Nations that blindly follow others’ agendas often find themselves mired in conflict and stagnation. As the philosopher Franz Fanon once observed, when deeply held beliefs are challenged by irrefutable evidence, the result is often cognitive dissonance. This psychological conflict can lead individuals—and nations—to deny the truth rather than confront the errors in their thinking.
This dynamic is strikingly evident in the political discourse surrounding the AUKUS agreement. Critics, including respected figures such as Paul Keating and Malcolm Turnbull, have rightly denounced this deal as a “dud.” At an astronomical cost of $368 billion, AUKUS ties Australia to outdated strategies of militarization instead of investing in our true strengths: economic relationships and our strategic advantages in the Asia-Pacific.
Australia’s Strategic Position in a Changing World
Let us reflect on a fundamental truth: Australia is not an isolated island adrift in the Pacific. We are a resource-rich continent, strategically positioned within the world’s fastest-growing economic region. A short voyage connects us to major economies such as China, Japan, Indonesia, and India.
Singaporean scholar and diplomat Kishore Mahbubani once posed a provocative question: Should Australia see itself as the tip of the spear for Western power, or as a bridge between East and West? The answer, for those willing to look objectively, should be clear. We have every reason to embrace the latter role.
- Economically, our trade relationships with China, ASEAN nations, and Japan have brought us unparalleled prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has been a game-changer, fostering infrastructure development and trade networks that span Asia and beyond.
- Regionally, ASEAN nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are thriving. Their potential inclusion in BRICS further strengthens their partnerships with China and India, creating a dynamic economic bloc.
- Globally, China’s unparalleled manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development lead the world, while India and Indonesia emerge as economic powerhouses, driven by their sheer scale, innovation, and youthful populations.
These dynamics present Australia with extraordinary opportunities, provided we maintain our independence and cultivate partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The Rise of BRICS and a New Global Order
One of the most significant developments of our time is the rapid expansion of BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Representing over 40% of global trade, BRICS is reshaping the global economic landscape. Consider the impact of recent initiatives, such as the BRICS CLEAR financial system. This innovation offers an alternative to the traditional SWIFT network, enabling trade in local currencies and reducing dependence on the US dollar.
Economist Jacques Sapir has predicted several transformative trends as a result of BRICS’ growing influence:
- Trade Realignment: Western nations, including Australia, risk losing 5-7% of export volume as BRICS nations deepen intra-bloc trade.
- De-Dollarization: As more countries reduce reliance on the US dollar, global currency markets will become more volatile, challenging the dominance of Western financial systems.
- Debt Forgiveness and Investment: China and Russia are leading efforts to forgive loans and fund critical infrastructure projects in developing nations, building goodwill and strengthening economic ties.
For Australia, proximity to this dynamic bloc is both a blessing and an opportunity. But to fully capitalize on this potential, we must break free from the constraints of old alliances and adopt a more nuanced, independent approach to foreign policy.
Domestic Challenges: The Impact on the Australian-Chinese Community
This brings me to a deeply personal topic: the Australian-Chinese community. We are 1.4 million strong—a vibrant, integral part of Australia’s multicultural fabric. Yet, in recent years, we have faced policies and rhetoric that echo the darkest chapters of our history.
Take, for instance, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) introduced in 2018. While ostensibly designed to safeguard national security, this policy has sown fear and suspicion, unfairly targeting Chinese Australians as potential threats.
Let us not forget the case of Sunny Duong, whose conviction under this scheme sent shockwaves through our community. His so-called crime? A donation to a local hospital—a gesture twisted into an allegation of undermining national security.
This legislative overreach is eerily reminiscent of the White Australia Policy, a discriminatory framework that sought to exclude non-European immigrants. Such policies alienate not only the Chinese community but also harm Australian society as a whole by fostering division and mistrust.
Australia’s Role in the Asia-Pacific
Australia’s destiny lies in its ability to engage constructively with its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific. Our future prosperity depends on recognizing that our security is intertwined with the region’s stability and growth.
Consider the ASEAN bloc, home to over 600 million people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Nations such as Indonesia and Vietnam are not only our trade partners but also our allies in shaping a stable regional order. Strengthening ties with these nations aligns with our long-term interests.
Similarly, our relationship with China remains pivotal. Despite political tensions, China is—and will likely continue to be—our largest trading partner. The Belt and Road Initiative presents opportunities for collaboration in areas ranging from infrastructure to technology. By engaging with China constructively, we stand to benefit economically while contributing to regional stability.
The Australian Citizen Party’s Vision
In this context, the Australian Citizen’s Party (ACP) has consistently advocated for policies that prioritize fairness, practicality, and national interest. Our vision encompasses three key pillars:
- An Independent Foreign Policy
Moving away from Cold War mentalities and rejecting the notion of being a proxy in conflicts that serve others’ interests. Australia must chart its own course, guided by the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect. - Strengthening Trade Relationships
Nurturing our partnerships with China, ASEAN, and BRICS nations is not just an economic necessity but a strategic imperative. These relationships are vital for our prosperity in a multipolar world. - Upholding Multicultural Values
Ensuring that all Australians, regardless of their background, feel respected and valued is essential for our social cohesion and national identity.
The Role of the Chinese-Australian Community
The Chinese-Australian community plays a unique role in this vision. Our cultural heritage and business acumen position us as natural bridges between Australia and Asia. Yet, to fully realize this potential, we must address the barriers that have been erected in recent years.
The 2022 federal election was a turning point. The Chinese-Australian community, disillusioned by the politics of fear and division, shifted its support, delivering a powerful message: Australians will not tolerate policies that undermine our values of fairness and inclusion.
This shift underscores the importance of a forward-thinking approach to governance—one that recognizes the contributions of all communities and seeks to harness our collective strengths.
Conclusion: Choosing Our Future
So, I return to Kishore Mahbubani’s question: “Does Australia truly want to be the tip of the spear for Western power? Or will we seize the opportunity to be a bridge between East and West, fostering peace, prosperity, and mutual respect?”
The choice before us is clear. By embracing an independent foreign policy, strengthening our regional partnerships, and upholding our multicultural values, we can build a brighter, fairer, and more prosperous future.
Australia’s unique geography, abundant resources, and diverse population are strengths that position us for success in a multipolar world. But realizing this potential requires courage—the courage to challenge outdated paradigms and the wisdom to embrace new opportunities.
Together, we can chart a course that reflects the best of what Australia has to offer: an open, inclusive society, a dynamic economy, and a respected voice on the global stage. Let us rise to the challenge and build a nation that future generations will be proud to call “home.”
Thank you.
(Photo credit: Marcus Reubenstein, Aisha Novakovich)
RICHARD’S BIO
Richard Yuan is a strategic leader and community leader in Australia, with a record of fostering China-Australia relations through business innovation, cultural exchange, and digital influence. Richard founded “ABC World Pty Ltd” in 2000, a global digital platform for immigration advisory, investment management, and media services. It is one of the largest WeChat groups in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 800,000 followers.
As the founder of the “Australia-China Entrepreneurs (ACE) Club,” Richard has created a high-impact network that blends cultural heritage, business diplomacy, and social ties. In 2020, he organized a chartered flight from Wuhan to Sydney to transport goodwill PPEs, which were donated to those in need when Australia was severely impacted by the pandemic.
When mainstream Australian media criticized and disparaged his contributions to the Australian community, Richard responded by winning a series of defamation cases. Richard advocates for the government to be returned to the people.
Disclaimer
Voices & Bridges publishes opinions like this from the community to encourage constructive discussion and debate on important issues. Views represented in the articles are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the V&B.