[20180423]IN10888_澳大利亚、中国和印度-太平洋.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Australia, China, and the Indo-Pacific nae redacted Specialist in Asian Affairs April 23, 2018 Recent debate in Australia on regional strategic challenges has focused on Chinas rising influence, the durability of the U.S.-Australian alliance, and how Australia should respond and position itself relative to related changes in Indo-Pacific power dynamics. This debate is framed by increasing concern in Australia about the influence of China and those who promote its interests, despite the fact that China remains a key economic and trade partner. Australias outlook is also affected by uncertainty about the Trump Administrations transactional approach to the alliance with Australia and U.S. engagement with the region. Australias China Debate A 2017 Lowy Institute poll found that 77% of Australians view the alliance relationship with America as important for Australias security while 46% said that China “is likely to become a military threat to Australia in the next 20 years.” The poll also found that 79% see “China as more of an economic partner than military threat.” Of those polled, 60% felt that President