Neutrality Studies [Back issue] Australia and Japan are Ditching US Empire | Prof. Warwick Powell
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Oct 4, 2025 
Prof. Warwick Powell, an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and Senior Fellow at the Taihe Institute, dives into Australia and Japan's evolving geopolitical strategies. He discusses the symbolic outcomes of Australian PM Albanese's China visit and explores whether Australia is shifting its China policy. Warwick reveals ASEAN's potential as a stabilizing force and raises concerns about grassroots neutrality movements. He critiques recent US-Japan investment announcements, highlighting their limited economic impact amid rising regional tensions.
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Albanese's Trip Reset Australia–China Tone
- Anthony Albanese's six-day China visit combined symbolism, people-to-people engagement, and business and government dialogues to reset relations.
- The trip signalled Australia wants a working relationship with China tied to economy, security and regional stability.
Questioning US Primacy Reshapes Australian Strategy
- Australian debate now centres on whether US primacy in Asia is receding and what that means for national interest.
- This forces Australia to re-evaluate its identity as a sub-imperial power and its strategic choices.
Competing Australian Schools On China And Security
- Australian views range from accepting a post-American Asia to trying to reclaim US-led balance of power.
- The debate's outcome will shape defence spending, alliances, and Australia's China posture.