Australia–People's Republic of China relations

Sino-Australian relations refers to the relations between the Australian Commonwealth and the People's Republic of China.

Cultural Relations

Australia has been a haven for Chinese migrants for centuries who have, in the modern day, established themselves as a significant minority group in Australian society.There are now large numbers of Australian-Born Chinese (Often colloquially referred to by the abbreviation "ABC") and Chinese-Born migrants/Australian Citizens in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with small Chinese communities in regional centers, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. There are also Chinatowns in every Australian capital city, including Darwin and large, public Chinese New Year Celebrations in Melbourne and Sydney. The current Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd also has strong connections with Chinese culture having studied in a Taiwanese university and also speaks fluent Mandarin.

Political Relations

Whilst economic relations between China and Australia have increased significantly to the benefit of both nations, Australia under the previous Howard Government has appeared reluctant to pursue closer political/military ties with China and has maintained the role of what critics have dubbed "America's Sheriff" in the Asia-Pacific Region.Fact|October 27, 2007|date=October 2007When, on June 15, 2007, the Prime Minister John Howard received the Dalai Lama [ [http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=16863&t=1&c=1 John Howard meets Dalai Lama to talk Tibet] ] , China protested, with the usual and systematic official critics. [ [http://www.amb-chine.fr/fra/jrzg/t330208.htm Ambassade de Chine en France, Conférence de presse du 12 juin 2007] ]

The election of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister of Australia has been seen as favourable to Sino-Australian relations, notably in view of the fact that he is the first Australian Prime Minister to speak fluent Mandarin, and that closer engagement with Asia is one of the "Three Pillars" of his foreign policy.

In 2004, Rudd, who at the time was Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, had delivered a speech in Beijing entitled "Australia and China: A Strong and Stable Partnership for the 21st Century" [ [http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/zagx/t142076.htm "Australia and China: A Strong and Stable Partnership for the 21st Century"] , Kevin Rudd, July 6, 2004] .

In February 2008, Australia reportedly "chastised Taiwan for its renewed push for independence" and "reiterated its support for a one-China policy". [ [http://news.theage.com.au/china-australia-hold-strategic-meeting/20080205-1q43.html "China, Australia hold strategic meeting"] , "The Age", February 5, 2008] In April, however, Rudd addressed Chinese students at Peking University [ [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23517342-2,00.html "China rejects Rudd advice"] , News.com.au, April 10, 2008] , and, speaking in Mandarin, referred to "significant human rights problems in Tibet". [ [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3711490.ece "Australian PM Kevin Rudd warns China over human rights abuses in Tibet"] , Jane Macartney, "The Times", April 9, 2008] [ [http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-aussie-rules-806956.html "Aussie Rules"] , "The Independent", April 10, 2008] Rudd also raised the issue in talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, in a context of "simmering diplomatic tension" according to TV3. [ [http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/InternationalNews/KevinRuddraisesconcernsoverTibet/tabid/417/articleID/52122/cat/62/Default.aspx "Kevin Rudd raises concerns over Tibet"] , TV3, April 10, 2008]

External links

* [http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/zagx/ China embassy, China-Australian relations]
* [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JD17Ad01.html "Man at work: Rudd walks Asian tightrope"] , Tanja Vestergaard, "Asia Times", April 17, 2008: a five page analysis of Sino-Australian relations in early 2008

Notes and references