過去兩週, 全世界都見到美國總統特朗普要美國放下擔任世界警察的角色, 並要成為唯我獨尊霸主的決心。在白宮橢圓型辦公室內, 特朗普以權威不能被任何人挑戰的姿態, 把被烏克蘭人民視為民族領袖苦戰俄羅斯三年的烏克蘭總統澤連斯基趕走。過兩天, 澤連斯基被英國國皇查理斯三世及歐洲領袖推崇為英雄, 並且促使歐洲決定以8000億歐元來重新武裝歐洲, 對抗被侵略的可能性。可以說, 經過這兩週, 第二次世界大戰後所維持的國際穩定平衡, 都變成歷史。

還不到四年前澳洲與美國及英國簽定的「美英澳三邊安全夥伴關係」（奧庫斯，AUKUS）, 今天已沒有人相信是澳洲國家安全的倚靠。原先美國答應替澳洲建造, 並受到不少人反對, 可以無遠弗屆保護澳洲的核子潛艇, 已沒有多少人相信最終會被交到澳洲手中。是時候澳洲這一個島國, 要正視政治現實, 再次設定可行及現實的國防保衛策略。明顯地去年發表的2024 國家防衛策略(National Defence Strategy)今天就要按新的國際關係、政治現實、及世界形勢, 作出大幅度修訂。

過去二百多年歷史中, 澳洲與新西蘭在國際事務上, 緊緊跟隨英國。不過今天英美兩國很有可能會因歐洲安全而分道揚鑣, 澳洲有可能變成孤身在太平洋面對各樣轉變。我們沒有聽到工黨或是反對黨對面對今天挑戰的任何看法, 明顯地我們的領袖還在等待政治形勢變得更明朗。

是的, 全世界都在不明朗的轉變之中, 大家都不知道最終世界是走向維持相對和平還是在衝突之中。正因是我們處於這樣的改變之中, 澳洲的領袖, 更要給澳洲人看見他們的取向及看法。

5月17日前澳洲要進行聯邦選舉。一直以來聯邦選舉的議程多集中在稅收、福利、經濟、或是移民政策。不過, 或許今次選舉, 外交及國防也是一個值得澳洲人選擇新政府時的一個重要考慮範圍。我盼望在定下選舉日期及競選展開期間, 選民更要關心政黨對外交及國防的取向, 而兩個政黨領袖要詳細地讓澳洲人明白他們對世界安全的看法, 特別是澳洲可以怎樣促成太平洋地區維持和平、安全及穩定的策略吧。

周偉文, 社長

Maintaining Peace in the Pacific Region

In the past two weeks, the whole world has seen U.S. President Donald Trump abandoning America’s role as the world’s police and wanting to become a dominant superpower. In the Oval Office of the White House, Trump, with an authoritative posture that left no room for challenge, expelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had been seen by the Ukrainian people as a national hero battling Russia for three years. A couple of days later, Zelensky was hailed as a hero by UK King Charles III and European leaders, which led Europe resloving to spend 800 billion euros to rearm itself and counter the possibility of invasion. It can be said that after these two weeks, the international stability and balance maintained since World War II have now become history.

The “AUKUS” security pact signed less than four years ago between Australia, the U.S., and the UK, which was initially seen as a cornerstone of Australia’s national security, is no longer trusted as such today. The nuclear-powered submarines that the U.S. had promised to build for Australia—despite strong opposition—are now doubted by many as never would being delivered. It is time for this island nation, Australia, to face political realities and redefine its defence strategy. Clearly, the 2024 National Defence Strategy announced last year needs to be significantly revised in line with the new international relationships, political realities, and global situation.

For over 200 years, Australia and New Zealand have closely followed the United Kingdom in international affairs. However, today the UK and the U.S. may very well go on their separate paths regarding European security, and Australia could find itself isolated in the Pacific, facing numerous uncertainties. We have not heard any views from the Labor Party or the opposition regarding today’s challenges. It is clear that our leaders are still waiting for the political situation to become clearer.

Yes, the whole world is undergoing uncertain changes, and no one knows whether the world will maintain relative peace or descend into conflict. Given that we are in such a period of change, Australian leaders need to show the people their vision.

By May 17, Australia will hold its federal election. Traditionally, the federal election agenda usually focused on taxes, welfare, economy, and immigration policies. However, this time foreign policy and national defence may also be key considerations for Australians when choosing a new government. I hope that as the election date is set and the campaign unfolds, voters will pay more attention to the parties’ positions on foreign policy and defence. The two party leaders must clearly explain to Australians their views on global security, especially how Australia can contribute to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Pacific region.

Mr. Raymond Chow, Publisher