Merriden Varrall
Dr Merriden Varrall is a Non-resident Fellow of the Lowy Institute.
Recent articles by Merriden Varrall

16 November 2023
Beyond the mainstream media: The why of Chinese foreign policy
China is very important for Australia. The recent Prime Ministerial visit to Beijing, the first in seven years, underscores that. The fundamental question we need to ask ourselves across all the various sectors of Australias multi-faceted China-interested community is, are we getting China right? Do we know as much as we think we know? If were not, and if we dont, the potential for missteps and miscalculations are very high, and the implications for heightening tensions and divisions are very negative.
17 October 2017
MERRIDEN VARRALL. Chinese student furore reveals Australias poor integration strategy
Why does Australia encourage international including Chinese students to study within its borders? Australian universities are about teaching and learning, but they need to be properly resourced to do so, so one reason for encouraging foreign students is the funding they bring to Australian universities. Another more important aspect is the potential to enrich their appreciation for Australias way of life, its values and its ethics which can ultimately enhance Australias soft power.