ABSTRACT
Thirty years ago, on 21 December 1972, Australia recognised the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. It was a contentious decision, with a broad array of social and political forces in Australia opposed to the move. Historical fears of the ‘yellow peril’ had been superseded by contemporary fears of a rumbling Communist giant able to spread its influence throughout the region. At a time when Australia was beginning to take a keen interest in East Asia, such a power held the potential to interfere with Australian concerns. There were few indications then that the relationship would evolve into a keystone o f our national foreign policy.
