Taipei, Aug. 5 (CNA) Australia plays an "important role" in Taiwan Strait issues and should clearly oppose any change by force to Taiwan's sovereign status because it is in Australia's best interests, according to academics who attended an international seminar in Taipei Saturday.
"It would make Beijing understand that not only the U.S. and Japan, but also Australia, will provide support, if needed, on Taiwan Strait security, " said Bill Chang, a PhD student at the University of New South Wales, in the seminar, titled "The Asian Pacific Security Environment After the Enactment of the Anti-Secession Law."
"It is inconceivable that Canberra would not become involved if a war erupts in the strait with U.S. involvement. The Australian Armed Forces has clearly been geared toward providing assistance in combat, " according to You Ji, a professor at the University of New South Wales.
"Canberra's Taiwan policy is also clearly set on war prevention through maintaining the status quo in the strait. This is totally in line with Washington's position, " he added.
Eight of Australia's top 10 trade partners and 65% of its foreign trade come from the Asia-Pacific region, Chang pointed out. If military conflict between Taiwan and China were to occur, it would have a serious impact on Australia's interest in the region, he added.
The dilemma for Australia, You said, is that it strongly disapproves of China's politico-social system but has a pragmatic need to deepen export dependence on the Chinese market, which is why Prime Minister John Howard quickly altered his initial 1996 China policy from "balance-of-power based" to "cooperation based."
"If the U.S. is in for dealing with Taiwan Strait conflict, it's hard for Australia not to be in, " said Australian Adm. Chris Barrie.
"On the other hand, it seems to be time for a proper debate in Taiwan about future security and prospects," he added.