Rudd, Former Australian Prime Minister, "China Will Welcome Prolonged Ukraine War"

by Park Pyunghee

Published 19 Apr.2022 16:31(KST)

Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that China would welcome a prolonged Ukraine war.

According to major foreign media on the 19th, in an interview commemorating the release of his new book The Avoidable War, former Prime Minister Rudd said that China could focus on competing with the United States by taking advantage of the West’s confusion caused by the war. He explained that thanks to the Ukraine war, China can "naturally adopt a rolling strategic diversion."

Rudd said that China is using Russia in the process of changing its strategies toward the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. He also said, "China sees Russia as a reliable long-term supplier of coal, oil, gas, grain, and various other raw materials."

Rudd said, "Strategically, too much of China’s interests depend on its relationship with Russia," adding, "Because of this fact, China wants the focus to be on the United States rather than on the problems caused by Russia."

Rudd pointed out that Australia is facing a difficult situation as China rises, noting that China is Australia’s largest trading partner. This is interpreted as highlighting that while China’s share in the global economy is growing, the relationship between China and Australia continues to deteriorate. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, relations between Australia and China have worsened, as Australia targeted China by calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Rudd pointed out that diplomatic conflicts are spreading into trade conflicts. According to Australian government statistics, China accounts for more than 25% of Australia’s trade.

Rudd also expressed support for the AUKUS security alliance announced by the Liberal government last year. AUKUS refers to the security alliance among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rudd stated his support for AUKUS, mentioning that China has continued to strengthen its military power.

In his new book, Rudd points out that the risk of war between the United States and China is increasing. However, he predicted that war can be avoided through well-managed strategic competition.

As an example of managed strategic competition, he mentioned setting clear geopolitical red lines in areas such as trade, foreign policy, and ideology. He also added that cooperation on issues like climate change response, public health, and global financial stability could be established as red lines.