1st Edition

Re-Orienting Australia-China Relations 1972 to the Present

Edited By Nicholas Thomas Copyright 2004

    Drawing on contributors from academic and policy communities, this volume explores the major aspects of Australia-China relations. The frequently overlooked connection between Australia and Taiwan is also considered to allow readers to reach a full appreciation of the restraints engendered by the relationship with China as well as its many benefits. Moving beyond the traditional state-centric analysis, the work incorporates new material on sub-state relations as well as examining the impact of global economic and social forces on the Australia-China friendship. In addition to providing a contemporary understanding of the bilateral ties, this work also provides a benchmark against which Australia's other relations with the countries of East Asia can be measured.

    Contents: 30 years of engagement, Nicholas Thomas; The Australia-China relationship: a partnership of equals?, Colin Mackerras; Australia's relationship with the Republic of China on Taiwan, J. Bruce Jacobs; Geopolitics, the 'national interest' and the Sino-Australian conundrum, William Tow; Collaborators, business partners, friends: Australia-China subnational government relations, Liz Pitts; Australia and China in the World Trade Organisation, Brett Williams; Australia-China relations in business: an intercultural perspective, Jane Orton; Who needs good governance? Australian aid to China, Stephen FitzGerald; Human rights: from sanctions to delegations to dialogue, Ann Kent; From Rosny to the Great Wall: cultural relations and public diplomacy, Jocelyn Chey; Educational links between Australia and China: the learning connection, Rosita Holenbergh; Intercultural sensitivity in Taiwanese perceptions of Australia, Rachelle Allen; Chronology; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Dr Nicholas Thomas is a Research Officer at the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong.

    'This is an important volume about an important bilateral relationship in the Asia Pacific. It offers an Australian perspective on the various dimensions of a mature and robust relationship, including Australia's unofficial ties with Taiwan, which contributes significantly to the peace and prosperity of the region. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian foreign policy.' Edmund Fung, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Western Sydney 'This is a useful book for anybody interested in the background and recent history of Australia-China relations.' The China Journal 'The book is a valuable contribution to study of relations between countries with unequal power.' USI Journal 'The various authors have a wide breadth of experience combining the academic, diplomatic, governmental and business perspectives. Because of breadth of experience, the text goes beyond a state-centric perception of relations by including description of sub-state relations as well...worth a read to gain a clear summary at a number of levels, of the first 30 years of constructive relations between the two countries.' Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers