Inquiry into Australia's relationship with China
Media Release - 9/12/04
The Chair, Senator Steve Hutchins and the Deputy Chair, Senator Sandy Macdonald, of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee are pleased to announce today that the Committee is to inquire into and report on Australia's relations with China.
China's entry into the WTO and the opening up of its domestic markets to international competition has transformed the country. Over recent years, China has experienced sustained rapid development and implemented wide-ranging economic reforms, including the lowering of trade and investment barriers. In opening up its markets, China has become a dynamic, strong and expanding economy offering opportunities for countries such as Australia to strengthen and deepen links.
As Australia's third largest merchandise trading partner, China is one of Australia's most important trading allies. Its size and growing influence in the Asia Pacific region politically, culturally and strategically, however, is also of great long-term importance to Australia. The changes taking place in China present challenges. There are both risks and opportunities ahead for Australia as China continues to develop and to exert significant influence over our near region.
The Committee believes that it is timely to review Australia's relationships with China. It intends to take a forward-looking approach and to explore the ways in which Australia can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the changes taking place in China.
The terms of reference recognise that economic, political and strategic factors are intertwined and hence the Committee will examine a broad range of issues but with the central focus on how best to develop and manage our relationship with China so that both countries benefit from changing circumstances.
The Committee is seeking the views of people interested in Australia's relations with China. In particular it is keen to hear from: sectors of the business community who have or would like to establish commercial links with China; Chinese companies who have business ties with Australia; mutual friendship associations both here and in China; organisations and associations interested in fostering links between the two countries; academics with expertise in East Asia and the South Pacific; and people who are concerned about Australia's future relations with China.
The Committee invites submissions and asks that they be lodged with the Committee Secretariat by 24 March 2005. Terms of reference and Secretariat contact details are attached.
On 7 December 2004, the following matter was referred to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report to the Senate on or before15 September 2005:
(a) Australia's economic relationship with China with particular reference to:
i. Economic developments in China over the last decade and their implications for Australia and the East Asian region;
ii. Recent trends in trade between Australia and China;
iii. The Australia-China Trade and Economic Framework and possibility of a free trade agreement with China;
iv. Ongoing barriers and impediments to trade with China for Australian businesses;
v. Existing strengths of Australian business in China and the scope for improvement through assistance via Commonwealth agencies and Australian Government programs;
vi. Opportunities for strengthening and deepening commercial links with China in key export sectors;
(b) Australia’s political relationship with China with particular reference to:
i. China’s emerging influence across East Asia and the South Pacific;
ii. Opportunities for strengthening the deepening political, social and cultural links between Australia and China;
iii. Political, social and cultural considerations that could impede the development of strong and mutually beneficial relationships between Australia and China; and
(c) Australian responses to China’s emergence as a regional power with particular reference to:
i. China’s relationships in East Asia, including in particular the Korean Peninsula and Japan;
ii. the strategic consequences of a China-ASEAN free trade agreement;
iii. China’s expanded activities across the South West Pacific.
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia