WE MUST AVOID CONFLICT

It is extremely alarming to see Australia increasingly enmeshed in potential hostilities with China.

The ultimate reason for this hostility appears to be a struggle for supremacy between the USA and China, in which have no good reason to be involved.

We have just emerged from a failed 20-year war in Afghanistan, following similar wars in Vietnam and Iraq. We had little reason to be involved in any of these conflicts, as is the case now.

So far our actions have had big trade and friendship costs with China, an understandably angry reaction from France, concern from Indonesia, and NZ has stated Australian nuclear submarines could not enter their waters.

We still have an opportunity to withdraw from potential aggression and restore our previously valued and friendly relationship with China, while maintaining our friendship with the USA, as NZ has managed to do.

A conflict with China would result in dire health consequences including potential nuclear conflict, and huge expenditure.

Dr Sally Attrill Tas convener Medical Association for Prevention of War