The Asian century!

A recent opinion piece in the Fairfax press reminds us that the anticipated rise of Asian behemoth nations to the fore-front of world-power in the new millennium is gradually becoming a reality. Both in terms of financial and supporting military strength as natural corollaries of one another.

For instance, the economic power of China in terms of trade is already self-evident. So, no surprise in that nation's sudden seemingly bellicose attitude to protection of it's interest in south china sea access. Australia's knee-jerk reaction to China's recent policy declaration, whilst understandable, seemingly fails to appreciate the major power-centre shifts now underway in the region. The shift requires at least careful revision of perhaps 'rusted-on' diplomatic stances born of different times and different circumstances.

In other words ... old notions based on 'gun-boat diplomacy' are no longer appropriate. And, sabre- rattling aimed at our new 'powerful (trading) friend' in the Pacific theatre may just be the height of stupidity in a world already largely bereft of good old common sense?!