One poignant aspect too all this is "former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd", not current, not some government official.<p>Which is great as he gets to say something, it tractions, China official responds and the Australian government get to see how things are without officially being accountable.<p>So whilst he is a former non-current government official, politicly for Australia he's sounded things out for the government, if that was his intention or not.
I won't dwell on the many arguable statements in this post, such as "Most of the forces in the world are willing to be our friends and partners because it is in their interest to do so."<p>I think the more interesting aspect is how it tries to frame the conversation as submission to the US vs. friendship with China, while diverting attention away from how countries might want to join together because they see China's growing influence within their borders (both economic and political) as a threat to their sovereignty and independence.
Even if you disagree with China's view (which is fine), you need to understand it. Rudd's BBC coverage is currently on the front page. You should educate yourselves with one strong view in China right now. (Blanket blocking posts because they link to "globaltimes.cn" is a recipe for ignorance, sorry to say, but it's true).<p>If you read this article, you will see that it's very rational. If you can separate your (media indoctrinated?) emotional resistance (amygdala processing), you will be able to comprehend China's view. Which (even (no, especially) if you choose to count yourself China's enemy,) is to your advantage.