Australia’s China Policy Debate

On June 3, CIS showcased young future leaders, to address the motion Australia’s policy approach towards China is in the national interest.

China’s increasingly repressive rule at home and assertiveness abroad show few signs of moderating as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Australian attitudes have hardened in the face of Beijing’s trade coercion and diplomatic taunts. The government has drawn lines to protect national sovereignty with new legislation and other measures.

But is Canberra doing enough as the divergence between our values and security interests and those of our top trade partner grows starker? Does security trump prosperity, or are we risking our future prosperity by needlessly provoking the PRC?

Hosted by CIS adjunct fellow, Salvatore Babones, the debate featured six young and upcoming scholars as well as an introductory keynote address by Peter Hartcher, international editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and author of the new book Red Zone: China’s Challenge and Australia’s Future.