The Aussie mainland is playing a increasing role of importance in Asia as western influence is coming under attack in many corridors in this area of the world. The bases in the Phillipines and Japan which used to be dominant in western influence are fading in importance. Much of this use of these former bases is moved to Austraulia with the advent of satellite survelance. These bases and the functions they used to serve are no longer needed. The monitoring of Asia can be done from Austraulia. Austraulia also has several port citys friendly to the US Navy and as a result Navy ships which used to pull into and operate out of the Phillipines and Japan are using Austraulia.
The evidence we mostly see here in the USA of the increase in Austraulian influence and importance is Austraulian movies, wildlife programs and a steak house chain. This is merely a tell tale of other importance things going on down under.
All this means is that Austraulia is moving up the ladder economically...and hence militarily. Austraulia is becoming a bigger player in the international scene. Hence the necessity for China to monitor it through several means at their disposal. This was not so important say...twenty years ago.

I am not sure but are they planning to hold the Olympic Games in Austraulia at some time in the future??? This would be another tell tail confirmation of Austraulia becoming more important on the world scene.

Thanks,
Orangetom

Well Hong Kong only went back to China's hands in '97 and was in British hands 'till then. Come on think, where would the U.K. be without Australia and it's natural resources. There is a major reason we aren't a republic.

We had, "The Best Games Ever" (according to Samaranch(spl?) ) in 2000 and are having The Commonwealth Games in '06.

Australia is very 'cosey' with China to the point of 'fobbing off' one of their Government Officials, who tried to defect here recently, telling us of their spies kidnapping Chinese citizens from our shores. Last I heared he ended up being well received by the U.S.

We have very many Chinese citizens working and studying here so they have to be "watched" for the formation of ideologies contrary to their nations. Our Government seems to support this practice. Why cost ourselves billions in trade for the rights of a few individuals? Though when it comes to spying "against us"......well, people have jobs and they do them, simple.

Funny, most of the world laugh us off as the "ass end of the world" when it comes to world political power, forgetting, "if you don't poop, you die".

[edit on 17-12-2005 by suzy ryan]

[edit on 17-12-2005 by suzy ryan]

Well one idea to think about.. Chinas running out of room.. Australias a perfect spot to move on into...

much of the spying scandal in AUs had to do with falun gong. Now why is that, why is it banned in China.. why does it require so much dirty spying? Mayhaps they are on to something that just happens to need suppressing...