Year 10: Monday 25/7 Period 4

1. What title does Kevin Rudd have in the Australian Government? Explain what this role entails.

He is the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister and it involves him interacting with other countries and discussing threats on Australia such as nuclear weapons.

2. What is Kevin Rudd's concern?

His concern is that North Korea with their nuclear weapons make a direct threat to Australia as these missiles can travel thousands of kilometres. He is worried that North Korea is angry at others for the destabilisation when it is clearly their fault. 

3. What forum was he at to express his concerns?

He was at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali. 

4. What actions have North Korea performed recently which have Rudd alarmed and the region lacking stability?

They had recently torpedoed a South Korean naval frigate, shelled civilians’ homes across the border and defied two UN Security Council resolutions by pursuing an enriched uranium weapons program. Rudd therefore is worried at what might next set of North Korea.

5. What is a 'direct threat' to Australia according to Rudd?

The direct threat to Australia is the recently constructed Taepodong-2 long-range missile as it can travel 15,000km.“Its a serious matter; it’s not out there on the margins of our national security concerns; it’s real and I reflected those concerns to the North Koreans today.

6. What do you think that Rudd is trying to accomplish diplomatically by calling out his North Korean counterpart publicly? How does this relate to Australia's relationship and role in the region? 

He is trying to show the world how much a threat North Korea is with the missiles that they possess and also the nuclear weapons that are being created by them. He is trying to make them respond or re-butte to the situation. He is calling North Korea out so that we look good in the world as we have shown that North Korea is a threat. Also it helps with our relationship with other countries because it tells them we have their back as we are looking out for them by seeing what countries possess weapons that can kill and telling others about it. 

7. How does this relate to Australia's relationship to major allies?

Since Australia is closely allied with America and therefore has a bodyguard with it the whole time. Therefore with Australia calling out these other countries they should listen as they don't want to fight with America if they decide to go against Australia. This makes Australia's relationship stronger with major allies as it looks like other countries may listen and think that Australia is a tough country to be friends with.