Name? Scott Morrison
Westphalian identity? Australian
Age? 52
Why is he in the news? Prime Minister Morrison suspended Australia’s extradition agreement with Hong Kong as well as extended visas for roughly 10,000 Hong Kong people already in Australia.
Why do we care? If you haven’t noticed already with our dailies on Boris and Carrie, we’re pretty invested in the state of affairs in Hong Kong. So any new development is cause for a daily on our part (you’re welcome). Also, this will cause a reaction by China and might lead to even more polarization in the region.
Why should you care? Because the New National Security Law that we just can’t stop talking about will most likely be the first of many steps the national Chinese government takes to restrain civil liberties in Hong Kong and potentially Finlandize the territory.
Who else cares? Boris Johnson. As we mentioned Monday, Boris is the first head of state to take definitive action against the new security law and its impact in Hong Kong. With Morrison following his lead of extending visas and providing a fast track for residency in his respective country for Hong Kong citizens, Boris’ initial response is sure to receive more recognition and legitimacy as more than just looking out for an old colony. The Empire strikes back!
Any further comments? Not only is Australia taking action against China on the Hong Kong front, but also in their regional sphere of influence as Morrison’s administration recently released their 2020 Defense Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan. The two plans offer insight into how recent developments have changed Australia’s defense requirements, leading to an increase in the need for greater resources such as conventional standoff weaponry. Ultimately, these plans along with Morrison’s actions regarding Hong Kong, represent the beginning of a paradigm shift for Australia — moving forward from the shadows of the Americans to standing more independently on the regional and international stage.
