Defense strategist Li Xiaojun advocated that Australia choose a ‘godfather’ between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, calling Australia’s close military alliance with the U.S. a throwback to the Cold War era.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr met with his counterpart and future Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Australia to celebrate 40 years of Australian and Chinese diplomatic relations. Song Xiaojun, in an interview with Australia’s The Age, explained that Australia is increasingly dependent on iron ore exports to the PRC and it must eventually choose between the two dominant powers in the region, or select a ‘godfather’ to use his term.

Australia has to find a ‘Godfather’ sooner or later. … Australia always has to depend on somebody else, whether it is to be the ‘son’ of the US or ‘son’ of China … [It] depends on who is more powerful, and based on the strategic environment.

Song Xiaojun, Defense Strategist

[The Age]