[By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn]

Recent power relations in the Asia-Pacific are reminiscent of Ang Lee's Oscar-winning film: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Lurking just beneath the surface of this prosperous region is a game of strategy won by growth, tactics and struggles, and complicated by tension between the region's past and present. To avoid a reckless prediction of the future, one might just say, "the promise here is real, the waters are deep."

The rise and fall of powers and regions of influence are nothing new on the world stage. While politicians and strategists may prefer a long-term view, ordinary people are more often concerned with their individual lives. So, instead of focusing on the dreadful reality portrayed in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a story about a "strolling panda, leaping kangaroo" might be more pleasing to public's eyes. In this sense, China and Australia, both key regional players, provide a good example. Throughout their 40 years' friendship, the two countries have not only managed to build a mutually beneficial relationship, but have also made it serve both their national interests and citizens' wellbeing.

Facts and figures show that China has already become Australia's largest trading partner and export market, and there is still room for further growth. The two countries have also maintained beneficial levels of cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, G20, APEC and ASEAN communities. As business and trade relations steadily develop, people-to-people links and cultural communication are also increasing.

The inflow of Chinese tourists, students, investors and immigrants has not only injected a new vitality into Australia's economy, but also enriched its multicultural social environment, which is regarded by many as the nation's proud competitive edge.

The growing importance of a bilateral relationship is recognized by wise statesmen and elites on both sides. For example, in a speech delivered at Macquarie University this August, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard frankly stated that the reason why Australia had been primarily unaffected by the global financial crisis is that "it has maintained a healthy economic and trade relationship with China."

However, when confronted with this writer's question regarding Australia's strategy in regional power relations given a longstanding ally which is redirecting its foreign policy priority to Asia, and an irresistible partner which is extending goodwill for greater prosperity, the provident ex-leader gave no straightforward answer, and failed even to mention the word "strategy". Instead, he offered what could sound the most standard diplomatic parlance, pledging that Australia shall not take sides between China and the United States, and preached his philosophy how Australia is going to make the most out of keeping good relations with all involved parties. Though appreciating the smart answer and understanding his special position to comment, this writer found himself immediately confused by a bigger question: "Does Australia actually have a strategy for the Asian century?"

In less than two months, however, the world saw the release of a symbolic Australian policy guideline: Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, which set out a strategic framework to guide the country's navigation of the Asian century.