That’s according to recently retired former Australian PM Scott Morrison, testifying before a bipartisan committee in the U.S. Congress. He reiterated the need to pay attention to China’s economic coercion. Morrison, left, with Rahm Emanuel, the former U.S. ambassador to Japan. He stressed that Australia’s response to Chinese aggression should be a guiding example for the actions that must be taken.
Morrison’s testimony underscored the grave dangers to the U.S. from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has been widely documented. He gave an informative overview of the CCP’s tactics to subvert U.S. allies in the region. He warned American lawmakers to remain watchful. They can’t afford to fail by underestimating the dangers of China’s willingness to go to war using commercial power against its enemies.
Australia’s Response as a Model
This is what Rahm claimed so forcefully during his testimony that contradicted Morrison’s assertions. He announced that “Australia’s response to China’s coercion is the best example to try to replicate going forward.” He suggested forming a new “anti-coercion coalition.” In practice, this coalition would function similarly to NATO’s Article 5 clause, wherein an attack on one ally is considered an attack on all.
Emanuel’s remarks highlighted the role of cooperation between U.S. allies in response to economic threats from China. He emphasized that countries need to be ready to come to each other’s aid as they face consequences of the CCP’s aggression.
“And so if you’re going to stand up here, you have to be prepared to take a few hits in the process. But you’re much more able to do that if you can take hits with your mates, and your mates have got to show up as well.” – Rahm Emanuel
Morrison invited the panel to reflect on Australia’s own experiences with Chinese economic coercion. This change in tactics from China was first noted after the 2022 election. He said the chasms of hurt landed on Australia’s wine sector offered a portrait of the devastation coercive actions can convey.
“The pain of what was done, particularly to our wine industry, was real.” – Scott Morrison
Bipartisan Support for AUKUS and Countermeasures
In 2023, the congressional advisory committee established to evaluate the CCP threat and develop a strategic plan to defend Americans from this aggression enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. The big idea behind their approach was enhancing U.S. alliances. In a statement, Republican chairman John Moolenaar became the need to double down on efforts that really worry Beijing. He pointed to regional strategies like AUKUS as major priorities.
Democratic committee member Raja Krishnamoorthi similarly highlighted threats from escalatory moves by China. He further cautioned that if made, these moves would do irreparable harm to the American economy. He illustrated the danger by presenting a bottle of South Australian shiraz. With a dash of irony, he dubbed the term “freedom wine” to highlight the impact that China had made on Australia’s wine sector.
“China can so much as flick a switch and cause major damage to the American economy.” – Raja Krishnamoorthi
Morrison underpinned these feelings by asserting that the CCP’s targeting of Australia was meant as a shot across the bows to other allies. He called on U.S. lawmakers to fundamentally understand these challenges. He stressed that conversations aren’t enough to address the underlying tensions.
“We have to be clear-eyed about this and not pretend that somehow this is going to be resolved through discussion.” – Scott Morrison
The Importance of Vigilance
With that, Morrison and Emanuel completed their testimonies. They voiced overwhelming bipartisan support for the critical need to be vigilant while pursuing China’s economic predations. We must not let America get used to these lurking threats, Morrison implored.
“Above all, I would highlight the need to never become casual about the potential threat and to remain vigilant.” – Scott Morrison
This caused bipartisan committee chair leaders, such as Oklahoma Sen. They seem intent on deepening U.S. alliances as competition with China heats up.
The dialogue between Morrison and Emanuel highlighted a growing consensus among U.S. lawmakers regarding the necessity of forming coalitions that can effectively counteract coercive tactics employed by adversaries like China. As conflict escalates, both countries have an increasing interest in collaborating. Together, a coordinated front would be able to more significantly deter those threats and safeguard their common interests.
