We need to reduce our dependence on China, and have the courage to call it out when required | Peter Jennings

Many of China's ambitions are in clear conflict with our national interests. It's time to reshape our relationship with Beijing

The last time Australia had a coherent and effective policy on China was when John Howard was prime minister. Howard emphasised the positives in what was then a much simpler trading relationship.

Then, in Deng Xiaoping's famous words, China was hiding its capabilities and biding its time. The Peoples' Liberation Army was nowhere near the military powerhouse it is today. The Communist party's forced annexation of much of the South China Sea was two decades in the future.