"THE old world order, with which we have comfortably lived for so long, is unravelling. The once immense economic power of the US faces immobilising frustration internationally, brought on by a huge national debt, a fragile economy and two inconclusive land wars that have drained national treasure and human lives.
Veteran US diplomat Nicholas Burns, quoted by Kelly, implies this new reality for Australia. The US expects us to play a regional blocker role against China. Not only that, but this time around, to pay our dues fully with a defence capability and commitment well beyond what we have got away with in the past.
Hitherto, we spoke loudly but our defence spending was prudently restrained. Now, the US cannot do alone all that it used to and it expects its allies to share the burden more meaningfully.
This will call for regional political sensitivity in our diplomatic relations and skills and subtleties we have not yet had to develop. China is essential to our future but much of our regional importance, national sense of security, and economic advantage comes from our US association"............LINK
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