17 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 Australia’s multi-faceted China-interested community is, are we getting China right? Do we know as much as we think we know? If we’re not, and if we don’t, the potential for missteps and miscalculations are very high, and the implications for heightening tensions and divisions are very negative.

18 October 2017

MERRIDEN VARRALL. Chinese student furore reveals Australia’s 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 Australia’s way of life, its values and its ethics — which can ultimately enhance Australia’s soft power.