风萧萧_Frank
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与中国抗衡？“美国必须停止将盟友扔下车”
自由财经 2023-01-04
澳洲前总理陆克文（Kevin Rudd）即将上任驻美国大使，他警告，如果美国想对抗中国在亚太地区的经济影响力，就必须停止将盟友“扔下公车”（under a bus）。
陆克文将在3月赴美就任大使，他告诉彭博电视，美国并未将经济作为整体安全战略的一部分，对于未来，美国大战略中缺失的元素是什麽？他说：“笨蛋，问题在经济”。
陆克文称，“你不能继续假设在安全问题上会有集体的团结，但在经济方面，美国却很乐意将一些盟友扔下公车”。
陆克文表示，美国国务卿布林肯和国家安全顾问苏利文在处理困难事务方面做得很好，但美国“压倒一切的保护主义情绪”，却阻碍市场向欧洲和亚洲开放。
Former PM Kevin Rudd tells United States to stop throwing allies 'under a bus' to limit Chinese influence in the region
By Andrew Greene Jan 4, 2023
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd will become Australia's ambassador to the US in coming months.
Key points:
- Kevin Rudd called on the United States to open its markets to allies, despite "over-riding protection sentiment" in Congress
- Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham criticised the former PM's language
- Mr Rudd stressed he was not speaking as Australia's US ambassador
The former Prime Minister, who takes up his prestigious appointment in March, claimed the Biden administration was operating with "one arm tied behind its back" in the Asia-Pacific because it had not focused on the importance of trade in favour of security ties.
"For the future, what is the missing elements in US grand strategy? It's called the economy, stupid," Mr Rudd told Bloomberg TV, invoking a famous phrase attributed to president Bill Clinton's former adviser, James Carville.
"You cannot continue to assume that there'll be collective solidarity on security questions but, on the economy, the United States is happy to throw some of its allies under a bus.
Kevin Rudd will be Australia's next ambassador to the United States.(ABC News: Tamara Penniket)
"And, for those reasons, the United States Congress needs to embrace, instead, a different strategy, which opens its markets more to its allies in Asia and in Europe, despite the over-riding protection sentiment of the US Congress and political class in general."
In his first media appearance since being named the next US ambassador, Mr Rudd argued that America's strategic stance would only succeed if the world's largest economy opened up its markets.
"You cannot have a strategy which has one arm tied behind its back, namely, trade and the economy," Mr Rudd said.
"You must, in fact, have both wings flying. Otherwise, this bird doesn't take off," the former Labor leader told a panel discussion focusing on the international economy and markets.
Last month, Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham welcomed Mr Rudd's appointment but has now criticised the former Prime Minister's language.
"Encouraging the US to pursue deeper economic engagement in our region and with other allies is smart, strategic and consistent with recent Australian ambassadors to the US," Senator Birmingham said.
"Opinionated lecturing of the US before you've even started your new ambassadorial role in the US is far less strategic.
"I doubt many will see Kevin Rudd's tone as an encouraging start to a role that requires both deft handling and policy smarts."
Inside government ranks, some MPs have privately expressed concern at the outspoken approach their former colleague may take in his new diplomatic role, suggesting he could become a "second foreign minister" based in Washington.
Mr Rudd stressed he was speaking in his capacity as president of the Asia Society and had not begun his ambassadorial role, noting it was "three months before I turn into a pumpkin".
Kevin Rudd: US needs to stop throwing allies 'under a bus'
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/kevin-rudd-us-needs-to-stop-throwing-allies-under-a-bus-20230104-p5cabb.html
Australia's incoming ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, has declared America needs to stop throwing its allies “under a bus” if it wants to counter China’s economic influence in the Asia-Pacific.
Rudd, who will take up his Washington posting in March, said the US was operating with “one arm tied behind its back” in Asia because it had neglected the importance of trade in favour of a narrow focus on defence and national security.
“For the future, what is the missing elements in US grand strategy? It’s called the economy, stupid,” Rudd told Bloomberg TV, quoting a famous dictum attributed to former Bill Clinton adviser James Carville.
“You cannot continue to assume that there’ll be collective solidarity on security questions, but on the economy, the United States is happy to throw some of its allies under a bus.”
Rudd was echoing recent statements by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who last month made a similar argument in a speech in Washington, albeit using more diplomatic language.
“On the economy, the United States is happy to throw some of its allies under a bus.”
Kevin Rudd
The former prime minister stressed he was speaking in his capacity as president of the Asia Society and had not begun his ambassadorial role, noting it was “three months before I turn into a pumpkin”.
Rudd noted the US political class was now dominated by an “overriding protectionist sentiment”, but urged Congress to do more to open American markets to allies in Asia and Europe.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham criticised Rudd for the comments, accusing him of engaging in “opinionated lecturing” before he starts his ambassadorial role.
“I doubt many will see Kevin Rudd’s tone as an encouraging start to a role that requires both deft handling and policy smarts,” he said.
Birmingham supported encouraging the US to deepen its economic engagement in the region but said the message needed to be communicated strategically.
The Biden administration has stuck with former president Donald Trump’s decision to ditch the Trans-Pacific Partnership, reflecting a recent turn away from free trade in the US.
It has been 10 years since the US entered into a free-trade agreement with a new trading partner.
Foreign affairs expert Ian Bremmer, the chair of political-risk consultants Eurasia Group, said Rudd was “completely right” in his assessment.
“We, the United States, do not have a trade policy,” he said.
“As Kevin said, unless Congress – the Democrats, the Republicans – are prepared to actually speak coherently about a long-term US economic strategy, the national security strategy doesn’t get you where you need to go.”
Wong said last month that nations in the Indo-Pacific saw “development, connectivity, digital trade and the energy transition as vital domains in which consistent US leadership and influence would be welcome”.
Australia and the US needed to demonstrate to countries in the region that “we want to do business and create wealth with them”, Wong told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“Second, we need to demonstrate that we have interests we want to nurture beyond security interests. That their interest in stability and development is an interest we share – that we have skin in the game.”
RELATED ARTICLE
When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed Rudd to the role last month, he said he brought “unmatched experience to the role”.
“He has served as prime minister, foreign minister, held prominent academic roles and worked extensively in the United States,” Albanese said.
“Kevin Rudd will be seen in the United States as a very significant appointment.”
Rudd will replace former Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos, who has served as US ambassador since 2020.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.
All 136 Comments
Is that the Birmingham who along with Morrison, bungled 20 billion in trade with our largest trading partner?
Kevin Rudd, makes a good point. It is a pity people can't focus on the quality of what is being said, instead of making irrevelvant toxic personal attacks that dilute the discussion.
maybe Australia should stop letting them throw us under....
Be a military partener means not to be a following sheep. Senator Birmingham should look back into the records of his own party and begin to cleanup the dirt.
So KRudd has started telling the USA how to act, that'll end well ..... not
Who gave this bloke a microphone?
Years ago I was in a group trying to establish a trade relationship with China. The US stepped in and bullied the Chinese to 'throw us under the bus' and take up with them instead. We never heard from our contacts in China again.
It was a shameless abuse of US military power to demand special trading rights over competitors.
It was a shameless abuse of US military power to demand special trading rights over competitors.
I'm an American born dual citizen and Rudd is certainly correct to a point. This having been said, trade is not the only issue; security issues are vital particularly with Russia, China, North Korea and Iran being real threats. Until recently, countries like Germany and Japan were not doing anything close to their fair chair in countering these threats, so the US has been in a two front mini-war with a couple of its most powerful allies, economically speaking, sitting back and letting the US do the heavy lifting. Germany in particular has some real questions to answer when it comes to The Ukraine. By making itself so dependent on Russian gas, it enabled Putin to take the gamble to bring The Ukraine back into the Moscow fold. The real tragedy of US protectionism is in Central and South America where their economies have been affected by horrible US trade policies leading to collapsed economies, and the border crisis. This has been compounded by dictators taking over in Venezuela and Nicaragua in particular and by gangs running places like Honduras, Haiti, and others.
The US certainly moved quickly to snap up our lost trade with China. Good thing they pulled out of the TTP too with that obscene expectation that US companies could sue us and other sovereign nations if our domestic policies adversely affected US company profits - with us tax payers having to pay for our government which we elected for it's policies to fight outrageous court cases.
Rudd is one of only about 700 Australians of non-Chinese descent who has learnt to read and speak Chinese to an academic standard. The insights this gives are enormous, because he understands what the Communist Party says to its own members, and the intentional errors in official translations. Translation apps are approximate and don't pick up the nuances of a language. Rudd will be valued for this in his ambassador role in Washington.
It's Kevin Rudd ! Of course we have "opinionated lecturing." What did everyone expect ?? Hahaha!
Kevin Rudd was meant for China but Albo gave him the United States.
This will be fun. More fun than progress for if Kevin was in China then he would be of value.
This will be fun. More fun than progress for if Kevin was in China then he would be of value.
If anybody wants proof of the wisdom of Rudd’s comments, the fact that the US decided not to participate in the TPP while China is breaking it’s balls to join, should suffice.
I doubt that Albanese would want Rudd to express those sentiments in those terms.
Nor do I doubt that Albanese would disagree with the sentiments.
Nor do I doubt that Albanese would disagree with the sentiments.
Rudd cannot help himself. The moment it was announced he was to be Ambassador he should have turned himself into pumpkin (his words). Recall him before he goes. He will have certainly diminished his welcome before he arrives.
Rudd is an expert on China and he should be respected by all.
Rudd will make a very good Ambassador and until than he has every right to speak about China.
Rudd will make a very good Ambassador and until than he has every right to speak about China.
Chances are sooner or later he's going to say something that causes Australia issues with another country.
Australia was thrown under a bus decades ago by the US.
Our subservience never falters.
Our subservience never falters.
The EU is a model of the potential set out by Rudd. The wealthy countries support the poorer ones to develop, in turn growing the market for the wealthy countries’ trade. It is a win win for both parties. Sadly, the USA, as clearly illustrated by POTUS 45 (I can’t mention his name), believes trade is a zero sum game, with winners and losers.
Rudd as our man in the US is going to be a wild ride. But he's also going to be an authentic voice for Australia. He's not dumb. he's not stupid. He'll make the points well and forcefully. Isn't this what we want of our ambassador to the US? An articulate, strong voice for Australia?
Australia has been a blatant sycophant in relation to the US The typical attitude of Australians is the US will ALWAYS support Australia
This has a whiff of the “Cargo Cult Mentality”, which arose among the indigenous population of PNG as a result of the sudden inflow of equipment and supplies which flooded into that nation during WWll
When has Australia said “NO” to becoming involved in a war being fought by the US anywhere over the entire World?
In the Vietnam conflict, Australia became involved with this appalling folly WITHOUT being asked by the US
But, when the US leaves Australia under “Deputy Sheriff” John Winston Howard to look after it’s own “backyard”, namely the many nations of Oceania, in 2014 the Australian Government cut the funding of SBS and the ABC
The Charter of the ABC clearly gives priority to serving the people of Australia
In spite of the then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, stating immediately before the Federal election of 2013, there would be “.. no cuts to SBS, or the ABC”, that is precisely what the Hockey/Abbott budget inflicted upon those broadcasters in 2014
And the Murdoch Press immediately assailed the ABC Board for “getting back” at the Government over the budget cuts by unnecessarily abandoning the FM stations on many micro-nations to the North of Australia, while also giving up the very significant and influential services of the old fashioned, but very effective Short Wave Transmitters in the NT, maintained for the ABC Overseas Service
This shortsighted policy of the Australian Government allowed China to take over many of the FM stations, as well as the Short Wave transmission services, while China was DELIGHTED to fill the “soft power” vacuum in the region thoughtlessly left by Australia
Australians believe there is this “special relationship” with the US which is always to our advantage In any choice between Australia and Indonesia, where the interests of the US favour the courting of the Indonesian Government, Australia will will be ”left out in the cold”
Labor and Coalition Governments have both been derelict diplomatically for decades in our region, through cutting aid to our near neighbours And even when aid projects are supported by Australia, in most cases, the work is carried out by Australian organisations, without involving local contractors
In trade matters, when Australian sugar cane growers were hit by a cyclone, when the Australian Government gave them aid to recover from the disastrous effects one their farms, the US immediately took action in the World Trade Organisation, claiming Australia was “subsidising” the growers in Australia!
Meanwhile, the US freely hands out VERY generous subsidies to many producers of agricultural products in the US
It is about time Australians realised the US makes lots of diplomatic, soothing noises about the alleged “Special Relationship”with Australia, but the US Government plays “Hard Ball” on EVERY occasion when somehow there is a negative effect, however tiny, on the US, or organisations within the US nation
It is about time Australians realised we are a small, not very important country “Down Under”
If Australia was even to threaten to end the US held lease of the Pine Gap Communications Station operated by the US not far from Alice Springs, there is little doubt there would be a rapid regime change of the Australian Government
And if there was a war between Indonesia ad Australia, the Indonesians would be ordered to leave Pine Gap alone
The United States Navy knows on a continuing basis the locations of our obsolescent “Collins” Class submarines And the US operates for Australia the Communications Satellite used by the Australian Defence Force for battlefield Command and Control
Perhaps the ADF training for those involved with “on ground” operations, should also include the old WWll use of whistles
The US “think tanks” such as the highly regarded Brookings Institutions, are openly discussing the probability of the US experiencing a Second Civil War
The Trump appointees to the US Supreme Court are handing down ridiculously based judgements For instance, the “Roe V Wade” legislation was overturned by the majority Conservative judges, using the argument that the Founding Fathers of the US Constitution had banned abortion
Those Justices are making decisions which, in effect, should ONLY be made by the US Congress
In this nightmare court, the precedent that during the time of the Founding Fathers, women did NOT have the right to vote could be used to end that right if given the opportunity to “turn back the clock”
The US is huffing and puffing over the way in which the Taliban is treating women in Afghanistan Perhaps some influential people in the US should peer into the mirror?
Former PM Rudd had his faults while in office, but he is spot on in his commentary about the US and trade
The US is perched on the precipice of becoming a failed state, or an authoritarian nation, or perhaps even both!
This has a whiff of the “Cargo Cult Mentality”, which arose among the indigenous population of PNG as a result of the sudden inflow of equipment and supplies which flooded into that nation during WWll
When has Australia said “NO” to becoming involved in a war being fought by the US anywhere over the entire World?
In the Vietnam conflict, Australia became involved with this appalling folly WITHOUT being asked by the US
But, when the US leaves Australia under “Deputy Sheriff” John Winston Howard to look after it’s own “backyard”, namely the many nations of Oceania, in 2014 the Australian Government cut the funding of SBS and the ABC
The Charter of the ABC clearly gives priority to serving the people of Australia
In spite of the then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, stating immediately before the Federal election of 2013, there would be “.. no cuts to SBS, or the ABC”, that is precisely what the Hockey/Abbott budget inflicted upon those broadcasters in 2014
And the Murdoch Press immediately assailed the ABC Board for “getting back” at the Government over the budget cuts by unnecessarily abandoning the FM stations on many micro-nations to the North of Australia, while also giving up the very significant and influential services of the old fashioned, but very effective Short Wave Transmitters in the NT, maintained for the ABC Overseas Service
This shortsighted policy of the Australian Government allowed China to take over many of the FM stations, as well as the Short Wave transmission services, while China was DELIGHTED to fill the “soft power” vacuum in the region thoughtlessly left by Australia
Australians believe there is this “special relationship” with the US which is always to our advantage In any choice between Australia and Indonesia, where the interests of the US favour the courting of the Indonesian Government, Australia will will be ”left out in the cold”
Labor and Coalition Governments have both been derelict diplomatically for decades in our region, through cutting aid to our near neighbours And even when aid projects are supported by Australia, in most cases, the work is carried out by Australian organisations, without involving local contractors
In trade matters, when Australian sugar cane growers were hit by a cyclone, when the Australian Government gave them aid to recover from the disastrous effects one their farms, the US immediately took action in the World Trade Organisation, claiming Australia was “subsidising” the growers in Australia!
Meanwhile, the US freely hands out VERY generous subsidies to many producers of agricultural products in the US
It is about time Australians realised the US makes lots of diplomatic, soothing noises about the alleged “Special Relationship”with Australia, but the US Government plays “Hard Ball” on EVERY occasion when somehow there is a negative effect, however tiny, on the US, or organisations within the US nation
It is about time Australians realised we are a small, not very important country “Down Under”
If Australia was even to threaten to end the US held lease of the Pine Gap Communications Station operated by the US not far from Alice Springs, there is little doubt there would be a rapid regime change of the Australian Government
And if there was a war between Indonesia ad Australia, the Indonesians would be ordered to leave Pine Gap alone
The United States Navy knows on a continuing basis the locations of our obsolescent “Collins” Class submarines And the US operates for Australia the Communications Satellite used by the Australian Defence Force for battlefield Command and Control
Perhaps the ADF training for those involved with “on ground” operations, should also include the old WWll use of whistles
The US “think tanks” such as the highly regarded Brookings Institutions, are openly discussing the probability of the US experiencing a Second Civil War
The Trump appointees to the US Supreme Court are handing down ridiculously based judgements For instance, the “Roe V Wade” legislation was overturned by the majority Conservative judges, using the argument that the Founding Fathers of the US Constitution had banned abortion
Those Justices are making decisions which, in effect, should ONLY be made by the US Congress
In this nightmare court, the precedent that during the time of the Founding Fathers, women did NOT have the right to vote could be used to end that right if given the opportunity to “turn back the clock”
The US is huffing and puffing over the way in which the Taliban is treating women in Afghanistan Perhaps some influential people in the US should peer into the mirror?
Former PM Rudd had his faults while in office, but he is spot on in his commentary about the US and trade
The US is perched on the precipice of becoming a failed state, or an authoritarian nation, or perhaps even both!
So much for being a diplomat!
I suspect the Americans will welcome some straight talking.
Uh oh! It's happening again.
It's gone to his head and he's now lecturing the US from his small pulpit. The last time he did that it was the Chinese being told off when he was in their country.
He will become an unpopular and divisive figure in the US at a time when we need to be as close as possible even if we don't agree with them. Otherwise he will have no influence. He will become person non grata. After a long period when numerous Australian ambassadors have had a lot of pull in the Capitol. Based on their popularity, insight, diplomacy and ability to keep their mouths shut.
It's gone to his head and he's now lecturing the US from his small pulpit. The last time he did that it was the Chinese being told off when he was in their country.
He will become an unpopular and divisive figure in the US at a time when we need to be as close as possible even if we don't agree with them. Otherwise he will have no influence. He will become person non grata. After a long period when numerous Australian ambassadors have had a lot of pull in the Capitol. Based on their popularity, insight, diplomacy and ability to keep their mouths shut.
“I doubt many will see Kevin Rudd’s tone as an encouraging start to a role that requires both deft handling and policy smarts,” he said." - gold help us all!!! Birmingham obviously does not recall Downer and Morrison and Dutton and Joyce
Don't know so much about a pumpkin but maybe a mandarin?
What an absolute embarrassment to us all
Please recall him asap
Please recall him asap
Since the domination of US foreign and defence policy by the neo-conservative school
of thought, the USA no longer has allies, it has supplicants. It's responses to 9/11 ended
any consultation or consideration of allies. It made its decisions unilaterally with the
expectation its supplicants support it. The invasion of Iraq was presented as a fait
accompli to the UK , Australia and the Saudi's and the "coalition of the willing" was
a PR afterthought. Similarly the extension of the military deployments in Afghanistan
beyond the UN remit was decided without prior consultation with NATO, Australia
or anyone else. The intercession in Libya was the same. Sanctions on Iran, Venezuela,
China, Syria, Libya etc. were all undertaken unilaterally with no prior consultation with,
for example, Japan a major purchaser of energy and also allegedly a close ally.
We now see similar disregard for " allies", especially in the NATO states in regard to
sanctions placed on Russian energy .., something having major economic impacts on
Germany etc. whilst leaving the US virtually unscathed given it is a net exporter of
oil/gas. The USA's patterns of voting in the UN is another example ( it isn't alone),
it ignores resolutions at will and it acts unilaterally whilst professing its dedication
to UN principles.
Fundamentally the USA acts in its interests first and foremost. If those interests happen
to be against those of an ally , bad luck. Australia had trade restrictions place on it by
China ...in many instances the US filled those gaps in the market. Japan has supported
the US economy by buying its debt for decades and yet the USA disrupts global energy
markets at Japan's cost. The USA as the world's largest debtor nation and most profligate
creator of money supply exports its inflation to others, especially so called allies who
have bouyed its economy for decades.
The USA is a fickle and fair weather "ally" ... ask the mujahadeen, the contras, the kurds,
the pathet lao, various afghan factions, the somali's, the "arab spring" activists , the
Georgians etc. etc.
of thought, the USA no longer has allies, it has supplicants. It's responses to 9/11 ended
any consultation or consideration of allies. It made its decisions unilaterally with the
expectation its supplicants support it. The invasion of Iraq was presented as a fait
accompli to the UK , Australia and the Saudi's and the "coalition of the willing" was
a PR afterthought. Similarly the extension of the military deployments in Afghanistan
beyond the UN remit was decided without prior consultation with NATO, Australia
or anyone else. The intercession in Libya was the same. Sanctions on Iran, Venezuela,
China, Syria, Libya etc. were all undertaken unilaterally with no prior consultation with,
for example, Japan a major purchaser of energy and also allegedly a close ally.
We now see similar disregard for " allies", especially in the NATO states in regard to
sanctions placed on Russian energy .., something having major economic impacts on
Germany etc. whilst leaving the US virtually unscathed given it is a net exporter of
oil/gas. The USA's patterns of voting in the UN is another example ( it isn't alone),
it ignores resolutions at will and it acts unilaterally whilst professing its dedication
to UN principles.
Fundamentally the USA acts in its interests first and foremost. If those interests happen
to be against those of an ally , bad luck. Australia had trade restrictions place on it by
China ...in many instances the US filled those gaps in the market. Japan has supported
the US economy by buying its debt for decades and yet the USA disrupts global energy
markets at Japan's cost. The USA as the world's largest debtor nation and most profligate
creator of money supply exports its inflation to others, especially so called allies who
have bouyed its economy for decades.
The USA is a fickle and fair weather "ally" ... ask the mujahadeen, the contras, the kurds,
the pathet lao, various afghan factions, the somali's, the "arab spring" activists , the
Georgians etc. etc.
The Americans will take a while to get used Kevins plain speaking. But there are lot who will feel bruised, and thats a good thing.
Maybe Kev needs to think carefully about throwing our number one ally under the bus…
Lots of people putting the boot into Rudd. He is many things, but I don’t think he is a fool. I would expect that he and Albanese have worked out exactly what he is to say, and given foreign policy changes under Trump, is it such an unreasonable message?
"...The former prime minister stressed he was speaking in his capacity as president of the Asia Society and had not begun his ambassadorial role, noting it was “three months before I turn into a pumpkin”. ..."
Not true. He can pretend all he wishes that he was "speaking as president of the Asia Society". Er, it's not as simple as that now, Mr Rudd.
No matter how he spins it, he was also speaking as Australia's next US Ambassador, and he should be much more diplomatic - regardless if what he says is actually quite true. He is very a very clever and knowledgeable bloke, but his ego has always exceeded his talent, and that's a worry given his next job.
He's going to be dealing with a country that includes an awful lot of people with more power than he has, and bigger egos. One look at last night's House Speaker circus is clear evidence, if the orange ex-president and all of his lunatic fringe dwelling administration didn't demonstrate this problem. Tact and intellect is required. Shooting your mouth off is not.
Not true. He can pretend all he wishes that he was "speaking as president of the Asia Society". Er, it's not as simple as that now, Mr Rudd.
No matter how he spins it, he was also speaking as Australia's next US Ambassador, and he should be much more diplomatic - regardless if what he says is actually quite true. He is very a very clever and knowledgeable bloke, but his ego has always exceeded his talent, and that's a worry given his next job.
He's going to be dealing with a country that includes an awful lot of people with more power than he has, and bigger egos. One look at last night's House Speaker circus is clear evidence, if the orange ex-president and all of his lunatic fringe dwelling administration didn't demonstrate this problem. Tact and intellect is required. Shooting your mouth off is not.
The USA is built on greed, so why would they suddenly do something that allows someone else to prosper too?
Henry Kissinger once said. “To be an enemy of the US is dangerous, to be a friend of the US is fatal”.
History shows us Rudd struggles with the idea of being a minor character. He also struggles with leadership. Its going to be a challenging role for him.
Rudd is saying the hard bits before he has to be diplomatic when he starts his new job.If you read the article it states that he was speaking as the President of the Asia Society.
Birmingham is suffering from his relevance deficit disorder big time;
'Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham criticised Rudd for the comments, accusing him of engaging in “opinionated lecturing” before he starts his ambassadorial role.'
Mate, if you've taken the time to follow the Kev since he took on the role as the president of the Asia Society a years back in 2015, Rudd has been banging on about the US' disengagement from the Asia Pacific region militarily and economically, so what's changed to bring you out of your shell Simon?
'Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham criticised Rudd for the comments, accusing him of engaging in “opinionated lecturing” before he starts his ambassadorial role.'
Mate, if you've taken the time to follow the Kev since he took on the role as the president of the Asia Society a years back in 2015, Rudd has been banging on about the US' disengagement from the Asia Pacific region militarily and economically, so what's changed to bring you out of your shell Simon?
Policy smarts Simon?
Since the change of government China has picked up the phone & of course Rudd is right, who was selling coal to China at the expense of our coal?
Since the change of government China has picked up the phone & of course Rudd is right, who was selling coal to China at the expense of our coal?
Reconsider your decision to appoint Rudd as US Ambassador PM before it’s to late or you may live to regret the decision ?
The TPP was not in Australias interest. I am glad the US have walked away from it. We should have done so earlier
You would have to wonder if one of the reasons Kev did this was to rev up the Rudd Haters. Some of the US trade policies are just selfish - driven as they are by private interests. This statement looks like it is more aimed toward nations in the south pacific than the US who has a lot of ground to recover and influence to (again) establish (impacts on the south pacific of climate change policy under Trump for instance). All you need to do is read https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pacific-Partnership-Strategy.pdf and you will see insufficient emphasis concerning trade. Hopefully the US will fix this - with a little prodding
Those that are calling out Rudd for saying what is true are I think just being anti Rudd for the sake of it. Let’s see what effect it has and if America behaves like China did when the Coalition criticised them in the way they thought necessary
Maybe you can have a swipe at him
Maybe you can have a swipe at him
It’s all about Kevin. Always was.
"Rudd was echoing recent statements by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who last month made a similar argument in a speech in Washington, albeit using more diplomatic language."
Good.
Both of them.
Good.
Both of them.
China is yesterday's news; the future now is India.
Australia is a good connector for those insular Americans to do business in Asia, rather than throw allies like Australia, "under the bus".
They (the US) should work with us, between the US, UK, India, Australia, Japan and the French, we the Allies can be a formidable power in World Economics and geopolitical power in all theatres - Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans and strengthen the western world order of free speech, democracy and free enterprise.
I don't believe this is the end of us hearing from KRudd. I am sure he will use his new posting as a megaphone to convey his ideals, maybe we should call him the "new Washington Post"?
Australia is a good connector for those insular Americans to do business in Asia, rather than throw allies like Australia, "under the bus".
They (the US) should work with us, between the US, UK, India, Australia, Japan and the French, we the Allies can be a formidable power in World Economics and geopolitical power in all theatres - Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans and strengthen the western world order of free speech, democracy and free enterprise.
I don't believe this is the end of us hearing from KRudd. I am sure he will use his new posting as a megaphone to convey his ideals, maybe we should call him the "new Washington Post"?
Rudd is right. US tend to throw its allies under the bus for sake of business.
I really hope KRudd does not prove a dud but this is not a promising start.
Strange day when one is agreeing with S Birmingham.
Strange day when one is agreeing with S Birmingham.
Barely been appointed and already lecturing them!
Finally, someone who fight for Australian interest.
Rudd is 110% Clueless.
The American Economy is built on (foreign cheap manufacturing - China). TRADE
And on the biggest Domestic Industry - weapons, weapans, wepaons, guns, guns guns. DEFENCE
he said "neglected the importance of TRADE in favour of a narrow focus on DEFENCE...."
The American Economy is built on (foreign cheap manufacturing - China). TRADE
And on the biggest Domestic Industry - weapons, weapans, wepaons, guns, guns guns. DEFENCE
he said "neglected the importance of TRADE in favour of a narrow focus on DEFENCE...."
Simon, Q for you. A deft handling as Ms Kennedy is doing in Australia for the Americans. Nah, I think most Australians would prefer Rudd style of honest talk to Kennedy's silence.
The free trade agreements are secretive and detrimental to many people in the world. Rudd hasn't changed.
That’s not likely. The USA is a failed state.
“I doubt many will see Kevin Rudd’s tone as an encouraging start to a role that requires both deft handling and policy smarts,” he said.
Telling the American that they are the cause of the trade dispute with China has been a long time coming. No other country besides the US and Australia have these types of problem with China. And China is winning the tariff war.
Telling the American that they are the cause of the trade dispute with China has been a long time coming. No other country besides the US and Australia have these types of problem with China. And China is winning the tariff war.
Oh no! I wasn't so niave to think Kevin Rudd would be able to actually stick to the brief and at some point not insert his own version of how everything should be & what the Americans should be doing but this?
Wow, some people don't evolve at all & I'd really hoped Kevin Rudd had - very clearly not & it does not matter one iota weather there's validity in the view but it does matter significantly when the new Ambassador starts sounding off mega-phone style on such issues. What's this about? Does the Albanese government have a new in-house foreign policy on the US?
Please Albo, rethink your choice here. This is deeply concerning!
Wow, some people don't evolve at all & I'd really hoped Kevin Rudd had - very clearly not & it does not matter one iota weather there's validity in the view but it does matter significantly when the new Ambassador starts sounding off mega-phone style on such issues. What's this about? Does the Albanese government have a new in-house foreign policy on the US?
Please Albo, rethink your choice here. This is deeply concerning!
Birmingham’s two bobs worth on this actually only worth a farthing.
Congratulations to Kevin Rudd for standing up to the US on foreign economic policy when he says “On the economy, the United States is happy to throw some of its allies under a bus.” It is the nature of beast, primarily driven by America First, in the defence of her liberal hegemony. In this mindset, all allies becomes expendable.
To paraphrase Lord Palmerston: "America does not have long term friends, or long terms enemies, it only has long term interests".
I actually think these cannot be conjoined "primarily driven by America First, in the defence of her liberal hegemony". In fact they are in my opinion almost opposites. America First has been around for ages cemented in by the histories of the War of Independence and finally the Civil War which turned Americans off of all Wars to come given the horrific death toll and injuries that resulted from the latter.
Isolationism then arose because of the wars and thinking that "America has everything and we do not need the world - so why care about what goes on in the world"--- Hence generally Americans appalling ignorance of geography and world history. "America first" is not about "In God we Trust" but instead is all about "In the dollar we trust and all others can go bust"
Whereas Liberal hegemony arose from the misguided belief that the "American Democracy" is the only kind of democracy for the entire world and if that means bringing about change through riot and revolution no matter the cost, or armed invasion based on wrong assumptions then that is the price to pay for an assumed superior form of governance. The opposite of isolationism sacrificing and giving up the worship of the Almighty dollar given the stupendous trillions of dollars lost in failed ventures.
Are we not seeing now a rejection of 'liberal hegemony" in word and deed reverting to America first in the worship of the almighty dollar? Hence Trump pulling out of Afghanistan, deriding NATO, and Biden "to slow to move on Ukraine and not enough" for fear of getting dragged into another costly failed campaign even it means allowing a totalitarian state to overrun a freely elected democratic state?
Is this not what our Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the USA ifs facing and therefore has to think long and hard how to get around this and turn America again; albeit it reluctantly to accept there is a price to pay as "leader of the free world" even though most Americans are sick and tired of paying that price, of being abused when they do, with little reciprocal gratitude displayed?
A good friend is one who tries to wear the worn out shoes of a friend with tired feet exhausted by all the doing who may simply just want to give up thinking "what's the point of it all" Understanding this may lead to a better approach on how to chew gum and walk and talk as a true friend instead of bellowing in his tired worn out ears.
Isolationism then arose because of the wars and thinking that "America has everything and we do not need the world - so why care about what goes on in the world"--- Hence generally Americans appalling ignorance of geography and world history. "America first" is not about "In God we Trust" but instead is all about "In the dollar we trust and all others can go bust"
Whereas Liberal hegemony arose from the misguided belief that the "American Democracy" is the only kind of democracy for the entire world and if that means bringing about change through riot and revolution no matter the cost, or armed invasion based on wrong assumptions then that is the price to pay for an assumed superior form of governance. The opposite of isolationism sacrificing and giving up the worship of the Almighty dollar given the stupendous trillions of dollars lost in failed ventures.
Are we not seeing now a rejection of 'liberal hegemony" in word and deed reverting to America first in the worship of the almighty dollar? Hence Trump pulling out of Afghanistan, deriding NATO, and Biden "to slow to move on Ukraine and not enough" for fear of getting dragged into another costly failed campaign even it means allowing a totalitarian state to overrun a freely elected democratic state?
Is this not what our Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to the USA ifs facing and therefore has to think long and hard how to get around this and turn America again; albeit it reluctantly to accept there is a price to pay as "leader of the free world" even though most Americans are sick and tired of paying that price, of being abused when they do, with little reciprocal gratitude displayed?
A good friend is one who tries to wear the worn out shoes of a friend with tired feet exhausted by all the doing who may simply just want to give up thinking "what's the point of it all" Understanding this may lead to a better approach on how to chew gum and walk and talk as a true friend instead of bellowing in his tired worn out ears.
Excellent comment, one of the best on matters of the US and and very insightful that I have ever read from a poster, thank you.
The message may be right but this is not the way to go about it. Megaphone diplomacy is the worst form of diplomacy - in fact the antithesis of the same.
It was the same with Morrison and his stupid decisions re the Jerusalem question and his block headed bungling concerning Covid and China. In these instances being 'right' is only the first step - get it right - and then spend a long time working out how to get the arguement across and win persons over - or you run the risk of "ears shut" before you even have had the first meeting.
Is there a subject at the tertiary level called "Diplomacy and International Relations?" Why do we hang on to the Imperialist Word ""Foreign Affairs" which I personally detest. O'so gross and insulting. When wit and wisdom are lacking "folly and inept bungling hold sway".
It was the same with Morrison and his stupid decisions re the Jerusalem question and his block headed bungling concerning Covid and China. In these instances being 'right' is only the first step - get it right - and then spend a long time working out how to get the arguement across and win persons over - or you run the risk of "ears shut" before you even have had the first meeting.
Is there a subject at the tertiary level called "Diplomacy and International Relations?" Why do we hang on to the Imperialist Word ""Foreign Affairs" which I personally detest. O'so gross and insulting. When wit and wisdom are lacking "folly and inept bungling hold sway".
good one KRudd - another Albo own goal
All good points, but one must understand that America/Americans do not do subtlety. Rudd is a great choice for this job.
The US has much to learn from Rudd and Wong. The US are insular and live in a vacuum in terms of world affairs. There are not many people who are as knowledgeable and experienced in China and world affairs as Kevin Rudd. Those people who are being critical on here need to educate themselves a bit more. They know little of world affairs.
I agree with your comments here Abraham. However, the delivery and tone needs some work. I don’t have much optimism on that front. Rudd for all of his abilities and experience, is in reality an ego maniac and this is on full display here. I wonder if Albo is regretting a decision that was in all likelihood decided many moons ago as compensation for a back room deal.
"The US are insular and live in a vacuum in terms of world affairs"
Self deluded about being exceptional, the USA needs to appreciate how Penny Wong has possibly frustrated China's intrusion into the Pacific, simply by listening and articulating a more comprehensive inclusioness.
The US Republican America (Only) First in Congress are willing to forsake allies, Ukraine for one, and as their current behaviour in the Lower House exhibits, their insurrection is on-going.
In agreeing with Abraham, it's to be hoped that the respect Rudd has in the US can be translated into a more transformative approach to China?
Self deluded about being exceptional, the USA needs to appreciate how Penny Wong has possibly frustrated China's intrusion into the Pacific, simply by listening and articulating a more comprehensive inclusioness.
The US Republican America (Only) First in Congress are willing to forsake allies, Ukraine for one, and as their current behaviour in the Lower House exhibits, their insurrection is on-going.
In agreeing with Abraham, it's to be hoped that the respect Rudd has in the US can be translated into a more transformative approach to China?
Rudd and Wong will be a great duo and hopefully say what needs to be said to the US and stop being like a puppy dog to them. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham is wrong to criticise Rudd for the comments because what Rudd said is very true and we can see they take its allies for granted.
US cares only about itself and cares very little for its allies thats for sure.
US cares only about itself and cares very little for its allies thats for sure.
This role is not in any way political in the general sense. Former prime minister Rudd has always had the feel of a professional technocrat that accidently became prime minister with his daily morning segment with channel 7 morning show giving him a boost.... It's the perfect role for him
KRudd needs to quickly learn the lesson required in regards to being the Australian Ambassador to America.
KRudd the less you say the better it will be for everyone.
KRudd the less you say the better it will be for everyone.
Call a spade a spade.
I like it.
With the Yanks, you must tell them upfront, or they will just ignore you.
I like it.
With the Yanks, you must tell them upfront, or they will just ignore you.
I believe that we have done whatever the US wants for far too long. We are scared that if we are ever threatened we will need them to defend us. They probably would anyway as long as it's in their interest. And consider how successful they've been since WW2 - not very.
How very diplomatic! Just can't help himself. Is megalomania too strong a word?
It’s only been a few days since Rudd was announced next US ambassador and now this. I’ll say this for Rudd - at least he’s consistent.
Why on earth would Albanese hand Rudd a microphone? Dumbest call ever. Rudd needs to be consigned to history.
Why on earth would Albanese hand Rudd a microphone? Dumbest call ever. Rudd needs to be consigned to history.
With friends like the USA, who needs enemies?
Throwing allies under a bus is a Trump thing.
Is Albo having second thoughts yet?
Subtle he aint. Good grief!
Hmm ... we're not off to a promising start with Ambassador Rudd, are we?
It is always about their defence industry and never about genuine relationships with allies. I think Kevin Rudd is an excellent choice for Ambassador but the US might be in for a shock.
As former ambassador to Beijing, Dennis Argall said recently “our security depends not on expensive things we may get from the US defence industries, or the interchangeability (determined by Marles) of Australian and US force units, but in diverting money away from such toys to make us a country worth defending”. I would add that Argall’s comments could equally apply to the defence industries of Britain, Italy and Japan
I can't wait to see how these comments from Rudd go down in America. I'm guessing they will be either ignored or ridiculed be both the Dems and GOP. They can't do the right thing by their own country let alone the world. Americans are notorious for insularity.
Taking advice from Mr Rudd regarding foreign policy after his time as PM is comical.
He was better that the three who followed him.
Why
Not as bad as listening to Johnny who lost his own seat! ????
After a long, successful Prime Ministership
"Don't give me any facts, I've already made my mind up."
During which time he blew the proceeds of a mining boom plus the proceeds of flogging off income producing assets and our gold reserves.
Since his time in office we have had our economy crippled by the structural deficit he left of upper and middle class welfare.
He introduced investors in to the real estate market with his idiotic reductions to the CGT rate and now the price of real estate is off the charts by every measure.
He removed the requirement of nurses from nursing homes and made the MDB water a tradeable commodity.
The direction he set the liberal party on , by sidelining moderates and embracing the religious, ignoring climate change and housing costs, alienating the young, now sees the same party facing electoral oblivion.
If that is success I would not like to see failure.
He was successful in ruining the place, that's about all.
Politics isn't like barracking for football teams, there are issues.
The liberals , from honest john onwards, have been floundering with all the important issues, at state and federal level.
During which time he blew the proceeds of a mining boom plus the proceeds of flogging off income producing assets and our gold reserves.
Since his time in office we have had our economy crippled by the structural deficit he left of upper and middle class welfare.
He introduced investors in to the real estate market with his idiotic reductions to the CGT rate and now the price of real estate is off the charts by every measure.
He removed the requirement of nurses from nursing homes and made the MDB water a tradeable commodity.
The direction he set the liberal party on , by sidelining moderates and embracing the religious, ignoring climate change and housing costs, alienating the young, now sees the same party facing electoral oblivion.
If that is success I would not like to see failure.
He was successful in ruining the place, that's about all.
Politics isn't like barracking for football teams, there are issues.
The liberals , from honest john onwards, have been floundering with all the important issues, at state and federal level.
Very like 07 a disaster is brewing here…..bad call Albo.
The Transpacific trade agreement, before the US bailed, had the US demanding that US companies had the right to sue Australian governments for policies that negatively impacted those companies, policies like banning of tobacco advertising, policies that may ensure US companies pay the correct tax by closing loopholes etc. The one good thing Trump did was abandon the TPP!
The existing so called free trade we have with the US has limits on war we can export to them, but open slather for them to us.
Rudd is correct. The,US needs,to stop bullying it's allies when it comes to trade. Many may not realise this, but we trade at a huge profit to China but with a huge loss to the US.
The existing so called free trade we have with the US has limits on war we can export to them, but open slather for them to us.
Rudd is correct. The,US needs,to stop bullying it's allies when it comes to trade. Many may not realise this, but we trade at a huge profit to China but with a huge loss to the US.
At last someone speaking up in Australia's and the Asia Pacific's long term interests to our closest ally America. The Australian forelock tugging we have seen over the past few years is in no ones long term interests including America's.
How can this person be our ambassador to the US?
Well that didn’t take long. Good choice Albo.
Wow! Penny and Kevin, two very intelligent, insightful representatives for Australia offering very intelligent, insightful observations on the international stage. What a refreshing complete turnaround from the knee jerk security ‘white’wash reactive garbage sprouted by the previous liberal government!
Yes, are we seeing the re-emergence of Australia as a respected, more independent, middle power?
Independent? I think not while we have subjugated and integrated our national defence to US forces by hosting US offensive military assets such as the B1s, B52s and marines as well as the proposed acquisition of nuclear subs.
Penny Wong has really had a belter of a first 6 months.
I thought Julie Bishop was also excellent. And think about what she to contend with. She could have made such a difference to the Morrison era. Such a shame they didn’t have the sense to realise they should have avoided Morrison all together.
The bushfires, Covid, national cabinet would have been very different under PM Bishop…
I thought Julie Bishop was also excellent. And think about what she to contend with. She could have made such a difference to the Morrison era. Such a shame they didn’t have the sense to realise they should have avoided Morrison all together.
The bushfires, Covid, national cabinet would have been very different under PM Bishop…
Terrible PM, terrible diplomat. One of Albo's first mistakes.
Well done Kev, while we in Australia are deeply interested/committed to the monarchist drivel engulfing the royal family. Thank you for asserting Australia's point of view and what actually matters to us which by necessity, needs to address America's commercial opportunism.
Getting to be a prouder resident of Australia by the day. Distancing ourselves at last from the deeply embarassing sycophancy projected by Morrison in the dysfunctional Trump era.
Getting to be a prouder resident of Australia by the day. Distancing ourselves at last from the deeply embarassing sycophancy projected by Morrison in the dysfunctional Trump era.
So the first thing he does as Ambassador elect is to strongly criticise the very country he is supposed to be bringing us closer to. Typical Rudd. Speak and then think. At least he appears to have stopped saluting the American President. When will he learn to use his obvious intellect wisely.
Ah yes.
Thanks for the reminder of the Bush salute across the room.
Thanks for the reminder of the Bush salute across the room.
He is not the Ambassador for another 3 months.
Lets not forget that, no doubt egged on from the US, the LNP megaphone demand for an independent investigation of the origins of Covid resulted in the loss of trade for Australia - much of which was taken up by - you guessed it - the US
Slowly but surely, the selfish and crazy decisions of the far right are being wound back.
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