By AMY COOPES
Sydney — Australia said Thursday it was “optimistic” about the emergence of China as a world power but said strong and peaceful ties between Beijing and the United States would be key to regional stability.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the U.S., China and India would be the world’s three “super powers” by the second half of this century and Australia wanted Beijing to play a “full and constructive role” in the region.
“I am, and the government is, optimistic about the emergence of China,” Smith said following a major defense policy speech in Sydney.
“We’re positive and optimistic about that, but we do think it is crucial that China and the United States have a deep level of engagement, and the challenge now (is) to avoid strategic competition between (them).”
Australia has important ties with both countries — China, a major market for its natural resources, is its top trading partner, while it has a long-standing military alliance with the U.S. that has just been expanded.
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