Australia's China blinders on Korea

During Moon's visit, media reporting in Korea and reporting in Australia differed substantially

Moon Jae-in’s visit to Australia brought out a troubling fact – amid the China threat hullabaloo, the ability to objectively analyse other diplomatic relationships has declined.

Reported in Australia, the visit predominantly concerned strategy. The purchase of Hanwha’s K-9 howitzer and resupply vehicles was about addressing mutual security challenges. The elevation of the relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” was done amid rising regional tensions; and talks on natural resources were about securing strategic supply lines to counter China.

Reported in South Korea (in Korean), the visit predominantly concerned economics. The Hanwha agreement reflected a long-term strategy to develop a competent, domestic military-industrial sector and expand exports. The “strategic partnership” reflected a celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations, and securing natural resources reflected what every Korean president has done – trade complementarity and Australia as a supplier of ra…