Red Zone: China's Challenge and Australia's Future [16pt Large Print Edition]

by Peter Hartcher

How Australia woke up to China's challenge - and what comes next China is a key nation for Australia's future - for our security, economy and identity. But what are China's intentions when it comes to Australia? And what lies behind the recent chill in relations between the two countries? In this gripping book, Peter Hartcher shows how Australia woke up to China's challenge and explores what comes next. Will we see a further deterioration in relations, or is there a smarter way to deal with an authoritarian superpower? Hartcher shines new light on Beijing's overt and covert campaign for influence - over trade and defence, media and politics. And he looks at the Australian response so far and assesses its effectiveness. 'For all its power, China is neither all-powerful nor irresistible. Australia can shape its engagement with Beijing ... History is forcing us out of our complacency. Whenever Australia is asked to choose between China and America, the ultimate answer must be that we choose Australia.' -Peter Hartcher, Red Zone

636 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2021

About the author

Peter Hartcher is the political and international editor of The Sydney Morning Herald. His books include Bubble Man, The Sweet Spot and To the Bitter End. His first Quarterly Essay, Bipolar Nation, was published in 2007.

Reviews

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This two-book collection is a powerful pairing that bridges physical transformation and mental resilience. James Smith’s Not a Diet Book dismantles the myths that cloud the fitness industry, replacing them with a refreshing honesty about discipline, habits, and self-awareness. His approach is grounded, practical, and deeply human steering readers away from the endless noise of “quick fixes” toward sustainable health built on self-respect and education.

Jamie Alderton’s Mindset with Muscle complements Smith’s realism with a motivational edge. Alderton reframes fitness as a tool for life mastery, not vanity. By applying the principles of consistency, focus, and self-discipline, he shows how the same strategies used to build a strong body can build a strong business and, ultimately, a more intentional life.

Together, the books form a cohesive philosophy of personal development through physical and mental alignment. The messages are clear: progress begins with mindset, and lasting change requires truth, structure, and courage.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great analysis of the current (2021) state of play in relations between Australia and China. Shows we got to where we are now - how China has been spreading its power and influence through Asia ever since the communists took over in 2021. For decades they have been slowly, gradually increasing their power unobtrusively but in the last 10 years under Xi Jinping they've taken the gloves off and now their true nature has been revealed. The Australian government and people are now largely aware of the danger and are starting to act.

Some might argue that the Chinese are simply doing what all empires do - extending their influences by all means possible (politically, culturally, militarily, etc) at every possible opportunity. That may well be true (and the Americans used similar tactics when their empire was on the rise) but we still need to defend ourselves from their influence regardless.