Former Foreign Ministers Bob Carr and Gareth Evans, other former Cabinet Ministers, former State Premiers, a Nobel Laureate, diplomats, writers, academics and human rights advocates are among 50 Australians supporting an appeal to establish détente between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China.
‘Détente’ – meaning an easing of hostility or strained relations — was the policy struck between the USA and the Soviet Union in the 1970s that led to arms control agreements and political understandings between the superpowers. It was critical to averting the escalating danger of nuclear war at that time.
The Hon Bob Carr, Australia’s Foreign Minister 2012-13 and longest-serving NSW Premier, said: