The United States has incentives to outsource the production of weapons, as its domestic capacity is insufficient to meet its needs. Co-production benefits others. But it’s also likely to lead to proliferation across borders, create regional security tensions and increase the risk of conflict.

Relations have weathered numerous storms since diplomatic relations were established. Now, China and Australia have shown they have what it takes to boost mutual trust, strengthen risk management and bolster regional peace and stability.

While the United States is attempting to use Australia for its own purposes, the future is bright. The island continent’s relationship with China is setting sail in a stormy environment, but emerging cooperation is certain to become both stable and durable.

Australia’s alignment to the West and its trade barriers with China has entrenched tensions between the two Asian countries.

Not so long ago, Australia was known for its booming economy and balanced foreign policy. Today its economy is stagnating, while the U.S. Big Defense casts a dark shadow over its foreign policy - as evidenced by nuclear escalation.

China is gaining influence for a reason: Its approach is helpful — and this irritates the United States. But the Solomon Islands is a sovereign country and as such is entitled to develop security relationships as it sees fit.

Counting on the United States to contain China has come at a heavy price. Worse, Australia’s strategic value as a middle power will be eroded dramatically if it continues to bash China in an era of uncertainty in which one can hear faint echoes of the drums of war.

Australia’s outlier history as a “Western” nation situated in the Pacific means it’s caught in the middle of simmering global tensions between China and the U.S.

Relations have sunk to a new low as Australia mirrors the attitude of the United States toward China. A policy released in July makes clear that Australia intends to assist the U.S. in its efforts, meaning that conflicts between China and Australia will be long-term and strategic.

As China extends its influence in the Pacific, Australia has become increasingly concerned about competition for alliances in the region. Is Australia truly in danger of losing partners to Beijing?