FOREIGN AFFAIRS: How closer Asian ties benefit Australia
Geography and economics dictate a closer association with Asia. And, as Sharif Shuja explains, looking East does not mean repudiating the West. As the 21st century begins, Australia is facing some important political and economic questions. These are about the future directions of Australia’s multicultural society, its place in the world and the region and especially its relationships with our Asian neighbours. These matters are very much interrelated. Will Australia find its future direction and identity through closer economic and political integration with Asia? How far should Australia try to maintain, and indeed consolidate, its cultural and trading links with…