In the recent discussion about Asia, some critics of the Howard government have overstated the extent to which this government has ‘turned its back’ on Asia. In turn, critics of the critics have caricatured this point to the extent where the fact that we have maintained diplomatic relations with our neighbours, attended the odd meeting, and issued the odd meaningless statement can be seen as proving that there’s nothing wrong with our policy stance. Cavan Hogue gives a fairly balanced assessment, saying

Although exaggerated criticism for political or personal reasons should be put in its proper context, so should the Australian Government’s cumulative actions and statements over a period of years be put in perspective.

That balance sheet shows a government whose public statements have sent the message that Australia is not part of Asia, that relations with Asia must be balanced against important relations with our great and powerful friends, and that previous Australian governments gave too much emphasis to Asia.

If you constantly tell people they are not as important to you as they used to be, then you can’t blame them for believing you.