There is no shortage of analysis of what Australia did wrong to China to cause Beijing’s wrath, and no shortage of advice on how Canberra should set the relationship right. But underlying the criticism is a failure to recognise the nature of the China threat. 

To what extent is China’s leader bent on overturning the regional status quo and replacing the US as the leading economic and strategic power? How does Australia rebuild relations with China without acquiescing to the Chinese Communist Party’s demands? Is there any solution beyond reducing our exposure to China? Or does the fear of a declining America mean Australia should adopt a more nuanced position that takes into account the security interests of a rising great power?