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Monument.Credit: Cathy Wilcox

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TRADE

While the rapprochement with China is desirable, in reality it does not represent “a new starting point” as China’s third most powerful leader, Zhao Leji, would have us believe (The Age, 7/11). It is a reset of the economic and diplomatic relationship that existed prior to China’s punitive sanctions and diplomatic freeze. Peter Hartcher’s as always insightful commentary reminds us how, historically, Australia has been adversely affected by over-reliance on international agreements (Comment, 7/11). We must not be lulled into another false sense of security and once again become vulnerable to economic and geopolitical bullying. Nothing has changed with regards to human rights in China and Hong Kong, or in China’s ambitions regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Despite China’s complete disregard for international concerns regarding these issues, it expects to be treated as a respected member of the Pacific community, and be admitted to the new Trans-Pacific Partnership trade group. Japan opposes admittance. Is Australia being groomed in order to facilitate China’s greater ambitions in this region? If it is rejected, how will China respond? Time will tell.
Leslie Chester, Brighton

Sensible step forward
I’m sure the hounds will be baying over the prime minister’s meeting with China’s president, telling us that China is a threat to our future, but I feel so much more secure that we’re not provoking China and encouraging friendly dialogue. The new approach has also benefited our economy with removal of the tariffs imposed in response to Morrison’s grandstanding accusations over the source of COVID.
David Lamb, Kew East

Return the favour
Even if China lifts all its punitive tariffs immediately, Australia should not agree to Beijing being able to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. A waiting period needs to be imposed before a decision is made. The period would be the exact period in years and days that China’s unwarranted tariffs were imposed on Australia exports. A decision could then be made after consulting with the United States and Japan. Xi Jinping’s bad behaviour should not be rewarded.
Dennis Walker, North Melbourne

A welcome opportunity for co-operation
The new rapprochement with China is welcome, but the truculent tone of some commentators is premature. China is still a great and growing power despite recent economic stumbles, problems with a rapidly ageing population and an increasingly disaffected youth cohort. We should welcome co-investment in new Australian industries and enterprises, but local rules, terms and conditions should apply.

Just as Australia has successfully found other markets for most of our goods, China will seek out more compliant nations to source its raw materials. Let the strategic dance continue, but with a respectful distance between partners.
Peter Barry, Marysville

Different approaches
Australians have a distinct choice in our relationship with China. Anthony Albanese uses moderate language, visits China and speaks diplomatically despite strong differences on a number of issues. Peter Dutton uses belligerent language and warns of impending war, a war I estimate would last about 20 minutes. We have a choice.
Tim Douglas, Blairgowrie

Seller’s market
It might well be a case of “careful what you wish for” (“Sanctions hope as trip cut short”, 5/11). With Christmas coming up, I’m not too sure lifting the sanction on Australian crayfish in China will be all that welcome back home. They’re dear enough as it is at that time of the year. Adding another 1.4 billion potential buyers to the market won’t help the holiday budget.
John Mosig, Kew

THE FORUM

Hitting battlers hardest
So another Cup Day has passed along with another interest rate increase. Just when mortgage holders and renters have managed to somehow absorb previous increases at the expense of other spending such as insurances, health cover and other so-called discretionary spending. The RBA and the government must realise that there is no more fat to trim from the average wage-earner.

Why are those who can least afford it doing all the heavy lifting, while those who have mortgage-free homes, or who are very wealthy, are still flying around the world on exotic holidays, buying expensive oversized cars, throwing lavish parties, or being photographed in the marquees at Flemington, completely unfazed by another interest rate rise?

One way to spare those on indexed salaries or government payments is to tax spending on luxury goods and services. Those who can afford these, can absorb the extra costs.
Diana Duimovich, Canterbury

Steady decline
Elizabeth Knight reports that the sky is not falling because those with a mortgage are still paying their interest bills (“Borrowers managing stress and bypass mortgage cliff”, 7/11). She ignores that the percentage of Australians who will be able to become mortgage borrowers is steadily declining.
Even for the wealthy, Australia’s increasing inequality is a threat, because their wealth and associated lifestyle is fed by the services of a growing majority who “sound commercial practice” decrees be paid a very minimal and often insecure income.
Ruth Farr, Blackburn South

Belt tightening
How would the current borrowers have coped with the 17 per cent interest rate back in the day? When the recent interest rate was incredibly low did most capitalise and increase their repayments to shorten their loan or did they simply borrow more? It seems that lots of people tack on their car or caravan to the house loan and let the good times roll.
Michael McKenna, Warragul

Transport rethink
Speaking as a long time fan of public transport and someone disappointed that the rail link to the airport is again on hold, going ahead with the Suburban Rail Loop east proposal (“Full steam ahead on loop as feds tighten belt”, 7/11) just doesn’t make economic or social sense.

Now is the time to rethink the whole public transport and roads strategy and plan for the future. We seem to have a quick fix attitude that is expensive and yet still doesn’t deliver effective and sustainable outcomes.

Try driving to and fro on the freeway (M80) to Ballarat and see “peak hour” traffic from 2pm daily. Trains from Ballarat to the city are slower now than previously because they have to stop at busy suburban rail stations instead of having a dedicated line and service. At $34.4 billion for just the first stage, what will be the final overall cost? Having a train network that goes across town and links different suburbs is better than the current wheel and spoke model but a rethink is still needed that provides an effective mix of rail and road.
Denise Stevens, Healesville

Young people matter
Outgoing Victorian upper house MP Matt Bach (“Lib MP backs drug decriminalisation”, 7/11) has said what political analysts have known for some time – that selfish, rich geriatrics are killing the Liberal Party, and that young people do actually matter. His party has largely ignored the emerging evidence that younger progressive voters are now much less likely to become more conservative as they age – a shift that is likely to keep the Coalition on the opposition benches for years. Sadly the party’s entrenched position has caused it to lose young talent.
Brandon Mack, Deepdene

Generations scarred
I am struggling to reconcile that the US is vetoing a ceasefire, suggesting a need to exercise restraint and our own government is feebly supporting humanitarian pauses. Both are giving the green light for more bloodshed.

Further, there has been a lot of criticism aimed at anyone adopting a pro-Palestinian stance. Why is such a stance synonymous with antisemitism? I have been accused of being “pro-terrorist” for advocating a ceasefire despite pleading for an end to the violence. There is no denying that the murder and kidnappings that took place on October 7 were shocking and horrific. Does this justify carpet bombing and massacring more than 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza, close to half of those children? The wounds inflicted today will leave intergenerational scars.

Being pro-Palestinian is an expression of a fundamental belief that all lives matter inclusive of Palestinians; moreover, it is about retaining a glimmer of hope that humanity still exists. That is what we are asking our leaders to convey on our behalf by insisting on an immediate ceasefire.
Jennifer Jones, Keilor East

What sense proportion?
Claims have been made ad nauseam that Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 atrocities have been “disproportionate”. Even before the Palestinian death toll exceeded that of Israelis, the hardly impartial UN was calling for Israel to show “maximum restraint”, never acknowledging its right of self-defence. We now learn that Israel has a new missile defence system that successfully shot down a ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen (“New frontier: Israel shoots down a ballistic missile in space”, 7/11).

Since the war started, Hamas has fired more than 8000 rockets at Israeli citizens, 96 per cent of which have been successfully intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system. Would Israel’s critics prefer it if Israel didn’t spend billions of dollars on defending its citizens, so that the death toll would be “more proportionate?”
Geoff Feren, St Kilda East

Time to step up
If world leaders were truly concerned about innocent civilians trapped in Gaza, they would ensure all Palestinians have safe passage out, not just foreign nationals, as well as getting more aid in. They would also secure the immediate release of all hostages being held in Gaza. As in Ukraine, world leaders could also promise now to help rebuild Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war.

This could be the first step in renewing genuine negotiations for peace and security in a two-state solution.

The deployment of international peacekeeping forces along all disputed borders and checkpoints into Israel is also long overdue.
Jo Wickham, Lower Templestowe

Great tragedy
Your correspondent (“Next, a cartoon depicting Israel’s anguish”, Letters, 7/11) regarding Leunig’s cartoon has missed the point. Leunig is not being partisan, he is reflecting on the great tragedy visited on any population that is caught up in war. He uses the warplane as a graphic and potent symbol of the power imbalance between the civilian population and the war makers — whoever they are. Leunig has not chosen sides, but the letter writer has.
Margaret Mackenzie, Alphington

Make space for others
Two letters blaming cyclists do not make me feel any safer, despite my adherence to road rules (Letters, 7/11). I know that drivers have seen me when they take the time to abuse me for just being there on the road.

The Ministry for Roads and Road Safety needs to develop an advertising campaign on social media and TV informing drivers of their crucial role in keeping cyclists safe by observing the safety zones around them. Drivers need to be aware that cyclists frequently have to move about on the left side of the road to dodge potholes, dogs, rocks, sticks, snakes, etc.

Cyclists have a right to be on the roads, and drivers have an obligation to protect them. Cars and trucks are so much bigger, and always win in a collision. The safety zone is not a discretionary thing, it’s absolute, so drivers need to be prepared to slow down if there is insufficient space, until that space becomes available.

The cultural change required is enormous, but lives depend on it, and as anyone who has observed traffic in Canada or Europe can attest, it is possible for cyclists to be afforded the respect required.
In addition, signage and road markings to indicate one metre in zones up to 60km/h and 1.5 metres in zones over 60km/h would educate drivers and remind them of the actual space required. It is bigger than most people think.
Greg Malcher, Hepburn Springs

Colour wheels
I am a cyclist also, with 70 years on Melbourne suburban and coastal roads, experiencing only one bad wipeout, and, yes, by a driver that “didn’t see me”. I have to add one more important rule. It may be trendy to wear all black on an all black bicycle; on an all black road that is almost the perfect camouflage. Wear the most colourful outfits that you can find.
Allan Brown, Lorne

Nature’s dryer
Clothes dryers must be one of the greatest wastes of electrical energy. We have beautiful drying weather much of the year, with the added advantage that comes from exposure to anti-viral ultraviolet rays. You don’t need a Hills Hoist, just a wire from the fence to the house and, if you are classy, a long forked pole to hoist up the middle.
Norm Pollack, Armadale

To have never really lived
Your correspondent (“Purl of a question”, 5/11) questions the usage of the term “close-knit community”, with its curious implication that there could be a loose-knit one. A similarly common pleonastic usage is “lived experience”, often employed to convey a sense of enhanced authority on the part of those having the experience. But what would an unlived experience be like?
John Chiddick, Hawthorn East

AND ANOTHER THING

Leadership
The Smart Traveller website recommends that people should reconsider their need to travel to Israel but Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson, suffering from relevance deprivation, have decided that it is their mission in life to restore peace and harmony to this troubled region.
Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn

If Australia/China relations, while Scott Morrison was prime minister, are a guide, don’t expect that Morrison’s comments and visit to Israel, will assist in any Middle East peace process.
Malcolm McDonald, Burwood

With Anthony Albanese restabilising relations with China it appears the adults are back in charge.
Joan Segrave, Healesville

We must be living in the age of miracles, otherwise how would a twice-impeached and four-times indicted former US president be the frontrunning Republican candidate in the next election.
Matthew Hamilton, Kew

If only we’d studied the “form” of our pollies with as much care as we do with the horses, jockeys and the weather … maybe we wouldn’t be in such a mess.
Myra Fisher, Brighton East

Furthermore
Although some customers may feel alienated, Qantas must still be doing things right by most people. Their load/seat factor is over 80per cent on most flights.
Derek Shepherd, Woodend

Does the alcohol industry fund the pink public drunkenness vans?
Rob Hocart, Tyabb

How many economic experts would advocate the curtailing of government infrastructure spending creating a resultant rise in unemployment to curb inflation if it involved them losing their jobs?
Phil Alexander, Eltham

We should all stop referring to the Suburban Rail Loop by that name and instead call it The Andrews Line. He deserves to have a major infrastructure project named after him and what could be more fitting than the largest of them all.
Samantha Keir, East Brighton

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