Canberra needs to first redress own wrongs: China Daily editorial

In a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison talked at length about Australia's relations with China, saying it was Australia's earnest desire to reset ties with China.

But it will take more than a verbal olive branch to repair the much damaged bilateral ties.

Morrison said his country is committed to "engaging with China" as both nations and peoples had benefited from their economic relationship. He also said that an enduring partnership requires both countries to adapt to "new realities, and talk with each other, and that begins with dialogue".

Against the backdrop that there have been rising cries at home for improved ties with China, it is understandable that Morrison should want dialogue.

Although the door of bilateral economic cooperation is not open as wide as it was before, China has never closed its door on dialogue with Australia. But the tactic of Australian politicians repeatedly calling for China to change its ways, rather than reflecting upon and redressing their own wrongs, will simply not work, let alone serve the purpose of resetting ties.

In an acknowledgment of the current state of bilateral ties, Morrison said "we cannot pretend that things are as they were", although he seemed to ascribe the deterioration in bilateral ties to the difference between the two nations and their different economic and political systems.

But that is disingenuous. The two sides' different economic and political systems did not prevent Australia from signing a free trade agreement with China in 2015, or from reaping substantial results in bilateral cooperation in various fields until recently.

Canberra can and should consider the merits of its neighbor's advice in terms of how to deal with China. In an interview with US media last week, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O'Connor suggested that if Australia were to show respect to China as New Zealand does, Australia-China relations may also reach a similar level to those between New Zealand and China.

The advice came one day after New Zealand signed an upgraded free trade agreement with China, which is sure to present more export opportunities for New Zealand businesses in China. However, judging by Australia's response to his words, it is unwilling to heed that good advice.

Despite the colossal benefits it receives from trade with China, Australia has been confronting China on a number of issues, some of which concern China's core interests. This has eroded the trust which was the foundation for bilateral relations.

Hence, if it is sincere about wanting to repair ties, Canberra should begin by showing respect and trying to rebuild trust.