The Biden Administration & U.S.-Australia Cooperation
On July 28th, ASPI Vice President Wendy Cutler was interviewed by Professor Gordon Flake of the Perth U.S. Asia Centre on the Biden Administration’s approach toward the Indo-Pacific and areas of cooperation between the United States and Australia on the trade front, among other issues.
Cutler emphasizes how quickly the Biden Administration has managed to reengage with the world, particularly the Indo-Pacific, while addressing key domestic issues including economic and pandemic recovery. “I think we’ve shown the world we’re back through the Quad Leaders' Summit, the visits of Prime Minister Suga and President Moon to the U.S., and the G7 meetings."
Cutler also remarks on China's unfair trade practices against Australia and the U.S.' stance on this issue, "We've watched with great concern in Washington Chinese actions against Australia, a very strong ally of ours. But we're not just watching; the Biden Administration has been out there calling China out." Cutler proposes working with Australia and other allies at the WTO to express grave concerns to China about these unfair practices. According to Cutler, both countries “are shoulder to shoulder” with respect to WTO reform given “there is significant overlap in interest in the general desire for an effective rules-based system."