Australia's Prime Minister Howard is visiting India to sign agreements:
"India is an increasingly influential global and regional player whose interests converge with Australia's ... the discussions I will have while in India will add impetus to our growing strategic relationship," Howard said in a statement.
During Howard's visit, his second official trip to the country as prime minister, he will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, various cabinet ministers and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi.
"During my visit it is anticipated that a number of agreements will be signed in various fields including trade, defence, science and air services," he said.
Add to this the strengthening alliance between America and Japan and we have a very solid basis for keeping an eye on China. All of these nations have reason to be wary of China's rising (for now) power.
And with these powers cooperating, other nations can more safely gravitate toward friendship with us without worrying about being all on their own to face China.
Add in smaller powers like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (well not in population), Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea, and the Chinese will need an awful lot of power to keep from being hemmed in if they prove hostile.
