The Australian Government has rejected an invitation from the Bush administration to participate in top-secret talks about how to deal with the rise of China.
Australia is apparently worried the meetings will offend China.
In June 2003, the Bush administration decided it would be a good idea to hold private, regular meetings with allies to discuss China’s emergence.
See also this interview with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, via ABC News, about why Australia turned down the invitation. (Thanks to Ben Garvey for the link).
