Professor Tony Milner
Basham Professor of Asian History, ANU
Retreat Convenor
Just what issues does Australia face right now in our Asian engagement? And ought we to pause to consider these issues in an historical context?
The annual Canberra Retreat examined again the progress of Australia's relations with the Asian region from a national capital perspective, drawing on the expertise of senior political leaders, diplomats, public servants, the media and academia. A cross-section of Australian professionals - coming from business, medicine, law, NGOs, the arts, the public service and education - joined with Canberra experts to mull over the various challenges Australia faces in the region.
How is history important? When we consider the new Defence White Paper, the troubled relations with China, the problem of defining aid priorities, the tortuous task of negotiating trade agreements, the attempt to create a regional architecture in which Australia can be a significant player - and many other issues - how critical is it to recognize the historical context?
It is not just that Australia is itself at an historical turning point, as the White Paper indicates - moving into a period when United States influence in Asia is likely to be reduced. Historical forces also shape relations between Asian states, and the future development of individual societies. Australia's own endeavours in the region are guided in part by deep-seated anxieties and hopes, and the way our actions are viewed by others - our defence planning, diplomacy and business endeavours - is of course influenced by our past record. 'White Australia', our long-established British legal and value system, and our bipartisan commitment to the United States alliance - all help to define Australia in the Asian region, and all influence the way others treat us.