For all its bluster, China knows Australia isn't merely doing the bidding of the US | Natasha Kassam

There are signs that Beijing recognises Australia's positions on Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang are based on its own interests

Over-reaction from Beijing is almost baked into Canberra's foreign policy calculus at this point. Scorn and sanctions were heaped upon Australia for calling for an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. But for all of its bluster, Beijing's response to the joint US-Australia statement to come out of the ministerial talks in Washington has been - in Beijing's terms - low-key. The US-Australia joint statement included strong language about China undermining Hong Kong's autonomy, concern over the repression of Uighurs in Xinjiang, support for Taiwan and its inclusion in the international community, and China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.

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