Australia not yet picking sides in Taiwan conflict

Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday, Payne said that while the country has a strong alliance with the US, it does not have a policy of automatically backing the US in any given situation. She emphasized that each situation should be assessed on its own merits, and that Australia would only take action if it was in its own national interest to do so.

Australia won't promise to side with US in Taiwan conflict https://t.co/1TFaMY3HUq

— Gilda Morkert (@g_morkert) March 21, 2023

The remarks come as tensions between China and the US over Taiwan have been escalating in recent months. The Chinese government considers Taiwan to be a part of its territory, and has been increasingly assertive in its attempts to bring the island under its control. The US, for its part, has been vocal in its support for Taiwan, sending military personnel and equipment to the island, and reaffirming its commitment to defend it.

While Australia’s decision not to promise automatic support for the US in the event of a conflict over Taiwan may be seen as a departure from its traditional alliance with the US, it is consistent with the country’s foreign policy of balancing its relationships with both the US and China. Australia is heavily reliant on China as a trading partner, and has been seeking to maintain good relations with both powers.

The comments by Payne are likely to be closely watched by both the US and China, as tensions over Taiwan continue to rise. While Australia has not ruled out taking action to defend Taiwan, its emphasis on a case-by-case approach suggests that any decision to do so would be carefully considered, and based on a careful assessment of Australia’s national interests.