Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has criticized democratic governments for being too lenient on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), accusing them of actively undermining foreign societies. Truss made these remarks during an exclusive interview with The China's focus on quad”>Epoch Times
at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Brisbane, Australia. She emphasized that the most effective way to counter the CCP is through economic means. Truss proposed the concept of an “economic NATO,” where countries like the US, UK, and Australia collaborate to establish a unified economic policy towards China. This would prevent China from undermining industries and exporting technology that could be used against these nations.Truss also highlighted the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a potential defense against CCP influence. While Beijing has expressed interest in joining this free trade agreement, Taiwan has also been pushing for admission. It’s worth noting that Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, a claim vehemently denied by Taiwan’s democratically elected government.
Additionally, Truss expressed concerns about Australia’s approach towards Beijing under its Labor government. She disagreed with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s stance of cooperating with China when possible but disagreeing when necessary in their national interest. According to Truss, this approach amounts to appeasement based on short-term economic interests rather than prioritizing long-term freedom.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently co-chaired the Fourth Strategic Economic Dialogue between Australia and China aimed at enhancing their trade relationship amidst complex economic conditions. However, Chalmers raised concerns about China’s internal economic struggles potentially impacting Australian exports and budgetary outcomes.
While Australia continues to engage economically with China, it faces challenges such as rising expenditure and slowing productivity within its federal budget framework. The Labor government has attempted to control costs associated with major social welfare programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Furthermore, recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates sluggish household expenditure growth and overall slow economic expansion.
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