China Rising

By Peter Greste and Justin Stevens

October 4, 2016 

Four Corners: China Rising

Monday 3rd October 2016

China Rising: The challenges for Australia as China and the US struggle for supremacy in Asia.

On Monday night, reporter Peter Greste joins Four Corners for a special report on the rise of China and its escalating contest with the United States in the Asia Pacific region.

"Australia sits at the intersection of these two great powers. The problem for us is the historical forces driving each of them are far greater than anything we can possibly control, so we need to find out how those forces might play out." Peter Greste

In interviews with key players from the world of diplomacy and strategic affairs, the program explores how Australia is trying to balance two competing interests.

"This is the first time in our history where our biggest trading partner is a strategic rival of our principal ally, so this introduces a whole level of complexity into our strategic situation we've never known as a country before." Strategic Analyst

Greste and a Four Corners team travelled to the South China Sea to investigate the rising tensions caused by China's rapid military expansion.

"The assertion of military power in the past decade, the building of nuclear submarines and now at least two new aircraft carriers, I think (is) devoted to this goal of at least minimising American influence in the Asia Pacific region." Sinologist

As the standoff intensifies, the program examines the growing pressure on Australia to take sides.

"We count on Australian mates being there when serious issues are at stake." Retired US Admiral

China Rising, reported by Peter Greste and presented by Sarah Ferguson, goes to air on Monday 3rd October at 8.30pm EDT. It is replayed on Tuesday 4th October at 10.00am and Wednesday 5th at 11pm. It can also be seen on ABC News 24 on Saturday at 8.00pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.