by Will Koulouris
SYDNEY, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, raising questions about what impact his presidency will have around the globe, including here in Australia.
The rise of Trump has led to uncertainty, with his rhetoric suggesting the possibility of a trade war and other protectionist measures.
Tom Switzer, senior fellow of the United States Study Center in Sydney, told Xinhua that Australia should and will continue following the United States on policy, but should ensure the relationship does not affect Australian interests.
Not all view the Australia-U.S. relationship in the same way, however, with James Laurenceson, deputy director of the Australia-China Relations Institute, told Xinhua he does not follow the view that Australia always follows the United States.
"Look at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. We were under pressure from the United States not to join that, we joined it. When it comes to trade deals, we are heavily in favor of RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and a free trade area championed by China. We want that too," Laurencenson said.
"The truth is that we follow our own national interests. So in each case we are going to weigh up those interests."
Read the full story at Xinhua