Author: Robert Sutter, Georgetown University

Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s visit with President Barack Obama in Washington highlights Australia’s extraordinary role in American strategy toward the Asia Pacific. Australia is the US partner with the most extensive breadth of vision, interests and resolve to provide advice, criticism and support as the United States works to foster an Asia Pacific order of peace, stability and development.

The Australian visitors bring to the table an impressive record of commitment with the United States that is appreciated by all sides in politically fractious Washington: Australia’s elite troops and other support in Iraq and Afghanistan; its initiative in taking the lead in working with the United States in dealing with issues in Indonesia, other Southeast Asian countries and the Pacific Island nations; and its ability to provide perspective and experience for the United States in sometimes complicated interactions with Asia’s rising powers, especially China. Read more…

Author: Robert Sutter, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

Since the early years of the George W. Bush administration, US and Chinese leaders have endeavored to emphasise the positive aspects of the US-China relationship and to deal with their many differences out of the public limelight, mainly through the dozens of largely secret dialogues that characterise recent Sino-American relations. Barack Obama came to office with the unusual distinction of avoiding significant China related issues during his long presidential campaign.

Since taking office, Obama has sought the cooperation of China and other world powers to deal with such key international issues as the global financial crisis, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and climate change. Read more…