Comment on "Friendship is more than just words" (China Daily, April 11)

A recent poll conducted by a leading Australian newspaper titled Where Does Australia's Future Rest, goes some way in supporting the author's claim that many Australians are less than enthusiastic about their government's decision to allow the United States to station military bases and surveillance sites on their territory. Some 24 percent said Australia's future lies with China while only 7 percent said it lies with the US. However, 58 percent said it lies with both countries.

The reason why the Australian government virtually ignores its own policy and defense experts as well as public opinion is that both major political parties are controlled by factions that represent powerful vested interests.

Ross Grainger, via e-mail

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(China Daily 04/19/2012 page9)