The geography of the Australasian region has placed Australia in an advantageous position. Our position makes us, the major western influence in this region, a close neighbor to some of the most densely populated countries on the planet. With the major powers of the region we have traded products, cultures and immigration. All this has occurred simply because of our proximity. Through the proximity Asia has so much to do with Australia. Our geography also means that tourism and travel betw

Between 1948 and 1973 Australian international relations with Asia was marred by a series of wars. Between 1948-1960 Australia was involved in the Malayan emergency caused by Malayan Communist Chinese aggression. Initially Australia held a passive role, but eventually committed troops, which remained on station until 1960. In 1950 Australia and our allies came to the defense of the non-communist South Korea when the Communist North Korea invaded, committing a total of 5133 men to the theater. In 1962-66 Australia was again involved in British affairs in the Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia. Indonesia committed several hostile acts including abuse, political pushes, trade embargoes and military actions. Australia's role was again passive sending support and late in the confrontation a small contingent of troops. Australia's most recent open war with a Asian nation, and its most image damaging was the Vietnam War. This conflict posed no immediate threat to Australia, but as a gesture of good faith and loyalty we entered the war on the request of the United States. Conscription combined with high casualties caused controversy. Vietnam was a major embarrassment. Despite superior firepower victory could not be achieved. In 1971 Australia withdrew our troops. Australia lost a total of 496 men, with 2500 injured. Vietnam severely damaged Australia's relations with the Asian Region. Apart from these conflicts, Australia signed two major treaties in this period. In 1951 the ANZUS treaty was signed between Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Australia and New Zealand signed for protection and the United States signed to ensure Australia's continued support. In 1954 Australia joined SEATO, the South East Asia Treaty Organistation. Its aims were mutual protection, resisting Communist aggression and securing the region. After the Vietnam War a series of policy changes by the Australian government was undertaken to establish diplomatic relations and the possibility of trade. These included Australia recognising the PRC, North Vietnam, East Germany and North Korea. Australia developed cultural agreements with Asian countries, amended Immigration Acts to remove all discrimination, helped Papua New Guinea obtain independence and opened Australian markets to Asia. In the 1990's Australia began to reap the benefits of mending our relations with Asia. Australia begun trading with Vietnam and other Asian countries who Australia previously had little to do with. In the late 1990's Australia lead the mission to assist East Temor in obtaining independence. During this period Australia h

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Approximate Word count = 1750
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)