Political uncertainty not to affect Australia's ties with China

Many Australian political analysts have forecasted that Australia's major political parties will seek to continue to build a close and productive relationship with China, and believe this process will continue even with a minority government.

"Both major parties understand the importance of building and maintaining Australia's close relationship with China, especially in terms of trade and defense," Professor Zareh Ghazarian, senior political analyst of Monash University in Australia told Xinhua reporter in an exclusive interview.

"I would not expect Australia's position on this matter to change significantly under a Labor or Coalition government." Dr Ian Cook of Murdoch University said, trade with China is a major part of Australia's economy, and both Labor and the Coalition would make sure to maintain the country's economic connection with China.

"I really don't see too much change but, if anything, it will deteriorate with either a Labor or a Coalition government," Dr Cook told Xinhua.

If Labor gains support from the independents to form minority government, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is likely to get a chance to become Australia Foreign Minister.

As the first Western leader to speak Chinese, Rudd's knowledge of an connection to China, represented Australia may develop closer, friendly relationship with China if Labor wins the government, Dr Cook said.

Meanwhile, Dr Richard Herr, a political expert of University of Tasmania said for a minority government, survival is the key of objective, which means to reducing the area of public disagreement, not looking for significant element to address.

"If the two political parties change the foreign relationship with China, it means they are taking a big risk on survival," Dr Herr told Xinhua in a telephone interview.

"Whether there will be restriction on investment or not, I can' t see either side of party want to tickle that as an significant central issue.

"I don't think that either side will be easier to be too restrictive, but neither will be highly less restrictive than they are now, because that again will put the relationship with China front and center of politic issue."

Negotiation has been underway between independents and political parties to gain support to form a minority government. It might take as long as another week before the independents make up their minds.

Meanwhile, Greens' Member of Parliament on Wednesday has signed an agreement with Prime Minister Julia Gillard declaring support for the Labor Party.

However, some have indicated Australia's first inconclusive election result in 70 years to threaten global perceptions of Australia as an investment destination, which will be a blow to a country seen as one of the Asia-Pacific region's most stable business environments.

Source:Xinhua