Why is Australia considered a Western country when it is clearly in Asia? An in-depth analysis of the history, geography and identity behind it

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutAustralia's geographical positionNow I will summarize the related issues, hoping to help those who want to know more.

When you open the world map, careful readers will find that the Australian continent is close to the Southeast Asian archipelago, separated from Indonesia by the Arafura Sea, and only 150 kilometers away from Papua New Guinea. This geographical reality is in sharp contrast to Australia's long-standing self-proclaimed positioning as a "Western country". What kind of historical codes and realistic choices are hidden behind this? Let us analyze it from six dimensions.

1. Which continent does Australia belong to?

According to the United Nations geographical classification standards, Australia is a major country in Oceania. The continent includes the Australian mainland, Tasmania, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and the three major Pacific archipelagos (Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia). The total area is about 8.52 million square kilometers, of which Australia alone accounts for 7.69 million square kilometers. This division originated from the concept of intercontinentalism formed during the colonial period in the 19th century, rather than purely geographical considerations.

2. From a colony to an Asia-Pacific hub: How does history shape Australia’s position?

When the British established the colony of New South Wales in 1788, European settlers in Sydney Cove always faced west:
1. When Federation was established in 1901, 98% of the population were of British descent
2. The "White Australia Policy" lasted until 1973 when it was officially abolished
3. After the fall of Singapore during World War II, Australia first shifted its strategic focus to the United States
These historical nodes show that Australia's Western identity stems from its colonial roots and the Cold War structure. It was not until 1972 that the Whitlam government recognized China and began the process of "turning to Asia."

3. The "dual face" of contemporary Australia: the economy relies on the East, and the culture relies on the West

The latest data in 2023 shows:
• Trade with China accounts for 38.7% of Australia’s total exports (iron ore accounts for 72%)
• Asian immigrants account for 17.4%, and Chinese becomes the second most spoken language
• Among international students at top universities such as the University of Sydney, Chinese students account for more than 40%
However, in terms of cultural identity, Western elements such as the British parliamentary system, Christian tradition (43.9% population), and rugby culture still dominate.

4. Swinging on the strategic scale: Redefining Australia’s role in Asia

With the establishment of the AUKUS alliance and the advancement of the "Indo-Pacific Strategy", Australia is reshaping its regional positioning:
1. The defense budget will increase to 2.51% of GDP within ten years
2. Darwin Port becomes one of the largest overseas bases for the US military
3. Trade volume with ASEAN exceeds A$160 billion
This "double anchoring" strategy of relying on the United States militarily and Asia economically reflects the survival wisdom of a medium-sized power.

5. The identity debate of the century: Who are we?

The diverse picture revealed by the 2022 census:
• 27.6% of the population were born overseas
• Spoken in over 300 languages
• The Aboriginal population increased to 812,000
However, the constitution still regards the British king as the head of state, and the controversy over National Day continues to ferment, showing that national identity is still in a period of fission.

VI. Key decisions for the next decade

New battlefields such as climate change (80% of public concern), digital economy (5G coverage 92%), and competition for rare earths (control of 50% of lithium mines around the world) are reshaping Australia's role in Asia. By the time of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Australia may have more distinct characteristics of an "Asia-Pacific country."

Issues related to Australia’s geopolitical positioning

Q: Does it make sense for Australia to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?
A: This is actually a reflection of cultural identity. Although Australia is not geographically part of Europe, it has been allowed to participate since 2015, reflecting its cultural affinity with Europe.

Q: Why is the Queen of England on Australian currency?
A: As a member of the Commonwealth, Australia still retains a constitutional monarchy, which is an important symbol of colonial heritage, but the republican movement has re-emerged in recent years.

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandThe mystery of Australia's geopolitical positioningIf you are considering immigrating to Australia or studying abroad, this unique "bridge between the East and the West" will profoundly affect your cross-cultural experience. Click to follow for more in-depth analysis of Australia.