I.Australia:Foreign Relations Stage Three:1970s to date,Australia in the world today The Whitlam Labor government (1972-1974)made a decision that Australia would take a more independent position It abolished conscription,withdrew troops from Vietnam in 1972,and in the longer term,moved to increase trade relations with Asia,most notably in order to have a more open political and trading relationship with China. It officially recognised the People's Republic of China.After Whitlam,relations with China and with the whole Asia Pacific region have continued to evolve.I. Australia: Foreign Relations Stage Three: 1970s to date, Australia in the world today • The Whitlam Labor government (1972-1974) made a decision that Australia would take a more independent position. • It abolished conscription, withdrew troops from Vietnam in 1972, and in the longer term, moved to increase trade relations with Asia, most notably in order to have a more open political and trading relationship with China. • It officially recognised the People’s Republic of China. After Whitlam, relations with China and with the whole Asia Pacific region have continued to evolve