Beijing thanks for hand on arms (Australian)

[oioioi]

THE European arms embargo on China is a Cold War relic and Beijing appreciated Australia's decision not to oppose its removal.

In a speech in Canberra, China's envoy to Australia, Madam Fu Ying, also said yesterday her country expected to play a bigger role in the region.

more...

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12289252%255E2702,00.html

[kaho]

1. ...and a pledge from Australia for $5billion for tsunami relief...

...shows that Australian foreign policy under John Howard is breaking away from its historically defensive mould. Very interesting...

[Old and In the Way]

2. I thnk, in China, Austrailian's are the dominant Westerners.

There are a lot of young people teaching English in China. Lots of Chinese live in Austrailia, too. Wierdest thing I ran into was a 2nd generation Austrialian Chinese guy, saying "Hello mate" in that unique Australian accent. I did a real double take....

[dave420]

3. Yeah!

There's a massive Chinese population in Australia, and indeed in many countries around the region. I think China is trying to grow up a little. Their totalitarian grip is loosening, albeit somewhat slowly.

The only way we'll know if China is a team player is to let it join the team. Let's do it!