The Sino Australian Relationship: Determining Interests Beyond Economic Affairs - Term Paper Example

THE SINO – AUSTRALIAN RELATIONSHIP: DETERMINING INTERESTS BEYOND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS Student’s Name Course/Number Instructor’s Name Table of Contents 1.Introduction 3 2.Research Problem Statement, Central Questions and Objectives 5 3.Research Design 6 3.1 Research methodology 6 3.2 Theoretical Framework 7 4. Literature Review 8 4.1 International relations theory 8 4.2 Political relations 9 4.3 Role of the two countries 10 4.4 Role of other countries 11 5.Discussion of Findings 11 6.Conclusion 13 References 14 1. Introduction In the last 10 years of the twenty-first century, the interdependence between China and Australia has been enhanced considerably. Chang and Jory (2012) discussed this with regard to three main areas: bilateral trade relatives, non-economic cooperation and mutual relationship in investment. Norris (2010) reviewed on three dimensional relationships between China, US and Australia. In his review he discovered that China does not have good relations with the US as it is with Australia. This has created a lot of mistrust and uncertainty between China and Australia and between Australia and the United States Chang and Jory (2012). Over the years, diplomatic relations between China and Australia has grown culturally, economically and politically. This diplomatic relation has been established since December 1972.According to Zheng (2005), the relationship between Australia and the People’s Republic of China has grown tremendously in the past few decades. One of the foremost matters of interest is to enhance good trade and development relations. Another foremost area of interest between these two countries is that of learning. This was conceived to foster both trade relatives and the increase in tourist visits by PRC nationals. In detail, recent investigations show that China is the second largest source of tourists notes an average of one million tourists annually, a number only rivaled by New Zealand (Gilboy & Heginbotham, 2004). The relationship aims at development of new technologies that will help to foster development and at the identical time assist with ecological preservation is the new front in which these two countries are pertaining. The realationship between the two countries is streangthen by collaborating with both united states and Britain. The collaboration was developed to help solve problems of climatic change (Dobell, 2005). Another locality of Sino-Australian collaboration anxieties power is as an outcome of China’s expanding investment in the atomic power where Australia is expected to provide ceramic with the uranium to be utilized in the lifetime of power and excavation commerce. The relationship between the two countries have been expanded to development of infrastructures (Atha, 2005). Australia refrained from extending diplomatic relatives to the new communist government after the inauguration of the PRC in 1949. This place was maintained for two more decades (Shambaugh , 2005) until the Whitlam government identified the PRC in 1972. Within the last four decades, the connection has developed in a substantial manner. Various diplomatic visits between china and Australia has developed both their financial and political relations. But, the relationship has not been rosy all along. In the year 1989, following the act of suppression by the Chinese security forces of demonstrations in Tiananmen Square Australia placed some sanctions on the PRC, encompassing the suspension of diplomatic visits, infantry relations and lend support on development projects (Chen, 2005). According to Atha (2005), these sanctions were in place for more than a ten years and were hoisted following what was termed as improvement of human privileges in China and in answer to the move made by other governments that had enforced sanctions on China. The relationship was further enhanced during the year 1993 in Seattle where an agreement was marked to display firm pledge to the development of the Asia-Pacific district. The last five years have seen an expansion of Sino-Australian relatives, encompassing cooperation in undertakings such as ensuring food security, water assets, wellbeing and affairs of quarantine (May, 2005). With China growing to be economically powerful in the matters of global significance cannot be argued. Australia should continue organizing its relations with China in an effective kind (Wang, 2005). The development of Sino-Australian relatives has been in the context of other like minded development partners, with the major one being the United States of America. This growing connection with China has furthermore assisted to cement Australia’s relations with other nations that are glimpsed as partners of ceramic. There have been an expansion of large flexibility in China’s exchange rate as a way of fostering trade and good will between these two countries (Dobell, 2005). The flexibility in the exchange rate directed to better global economic balances supplying a cornerstone for solid global economic expansion (Murray, 2004). There is a need, however, to double-check that there is more capital account liberalization and further the reinforcement of the financial scheme in China. 2. Research Problem Statement, Central Questions and Objectives Previous research endeavors have failed to establish the effects of Australia’s relations with China beyond the economic front aimed at identifying these effects and how it affects their relationship with other countries. This research is Given China’s emergence as front runner in global economic affairs, it is important to find out how its relationship with Australia will affect the global economy and other matters that are of global interest. This research objectives included determining and assessing areas of interest in Sino-Australian beyond economic affairs.The study also aimed at finding out the role played by both Australia and china in furthering these interest. Another objective was to findout how other countries are involved in furthering these interests.The study also gives recommendations on how best to approach the major areas of interests in Sino-Australian relations. 3. Research Design 3.1 Research methodology The study used a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study design. In this method information is collected without changing the environment. It is usually a statisticalapproach that descrbes behavior and attributes of a population. It involves data analysis of the relationship between china and Australia and developing a conclusion from it. This methodology will help to develop hypothesis in which further research may be based on. A descriptive study is designed to gain more information about characteristics within a particular field of study. It aims at providing a picture of a situation as it naturally happens. Descriptive study design was used in practices and making judgments determining what others in similar situations are doing. Retrospective study developing a theory, identifying problems within the current practice, justifying current design aims at looking back in order to link the present with the past or what happened in the past. The data obtained was analyzed and discussed in line with the existing body of knowledge. The study is neighter experimental nor logical but involved observing of the population in a given point in time. This methodology explains the characteristics that exists between the two countries but it does not manipulate the data to provide cause and effects between the two. The research took various schedules. The first stage involved identifying the most recent relevant references; this involved use of secondary materials as literature review in the area and then critically reviewed them for relevant information. The other step was to identify most recent government reports regarding the relations of Australia and China then critically analyzed the information in them. The most relevant books, research journals and other conference papers were used to obtain relevant information. 3.2 Theoretical Framework Relationship between Australia and China has developed over time. There are also 13,000 plus Chinese students in Australia, making China Australia’s largest source of overseas students (Zhang 2009). According to Zheng (2005), the relationship between Australia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has grown tremendously in the past few decades. By the year 2007 the number of Chinese scholars registered in investigations in Australia had increased two-fold with more scholars enrolling in Australian Universities (DFAT Website). Australian institutions had begun to incorporate Chinese dialects such as Mandarin and Cantonese in their dialect offerings making these amidst the most routinely educated foreign languages (Gallagher, 2005). According to Zhang, Sino Australia relationship is mainly based on economic motives more than other motives such as political strength, cultural issues or education . Chang and Jory also expound on this issue where they conclude that having a good economic relation does not mean that China and Australia has good political relations. China is posing a big challenge to US alliance with Australia (Chang and Jory,2012). Chang and Jory (2012) states that, the united state has historically maintained strong relations with Australia but china’s booming economy has created a big threat to the US and also New Zealand. To cope with this Australia has to balance both the relationships so as to develop its economic relationship in china and cultural relationship with US. Murray (2004) noted that, the flexibility in the exchange rate led to better global financial balances providing a basis for solid global economic expansion. 4. Literature Review 4.1 International relations theory This study is formulated on the basis of international relations theory, it provides a conceptual framework in which the study is analyzed. In this theory two or more countries bargain and negotiate on foreign policies governing their agreements. There are other theories that govern how states behaves towards each other. In this study, it is observed that constructive theory which is a state behavioral theory is applied on how the two nations relate. Constructive theory describes a country’s characteristics, religious, cultural, and political practices (Chen, 2005). Classical theory states that, all countries in any international relationships want to seek power over other countries. As observed between the relationship between Australia, China and the US, power uncertainty is a big challenge to Australia and the US (May, 2005). With the booming economic growth plus military strength, united states fears that China might outdo it in terms of power. To strengthen its military power, Australia aims at investing heavily on armaments in the next twenty years. This is because it is anticipating war inflicted by Chinese economic and military growth (Shambaugh, 2005). Nations do not only worry about power but they have other interests resulting in the development of relations; this is described in the theory of liberalism. The theory argues that, there is so much cooperation between countries apart from power. States have realized that cooperation brings much benefit to a nation than just conflicts. For instance the cold war between USSR and US caused more harm to the two countries that good. Cooperation includes trade relations, cultural relations and also political relations (Gallagher, 2005). One of the most important Australian scholars explained the interdependence theory affecting the relationship between two countries. To strengthen certain relationships every country should be willing to follow certain rules and regulation set aside by both countries. This involves accepting procedures, formulating procedures and rules (Chang & Jory, 2012). Both governments control and regulate the mode of relation between the two nations. Australia is a small country that is benefiting from its relationship with Asian countries. To fit into this relationship Australia has to accept the Asian way of diplomacy. This case also applies to china; unlike china which is governed through diplomacy, Australia is governed and ruled through Christian values and virtues. To strengthen their relationship, china has to adapt to the Australian way of governance (Wesley 2007). 4.2 Political relations Politically, Australia has enhanced its security against china. With china military modernization, most countries feel that it's a threat to them. In a paper written by the Australian government in 2009, it is clear that Australia is in fear that Asia-Pacific might face war in the next twenty years (Chang & Jory, 2012). Australia is uncertain of its future relations with the Asia-Pacific region; the paper states that China is also a big threat to the neighboring countries. The strong military in china reduces the amount of trust that Australia has in china. Australian government proposed to strengthen its military strength by investing 70 billion US dollars in armament in the next 20 years. It is also willing to add the number of submarine to 12, three new destroyers and new more model frigates. This mistrust is destroying the prevailing cooperation between these two countries. The strong economic relationship between China and Australia does not guarantee a strong political relationship. 4.3 Role of the two countries To establish a mutual coexistence, the two countries should have established roles in developing their relations. Chinese economic growth has continually relied on china-Australia bilateral trade. Before 1980, the two-way service and goods trade between the two countries was about 1 billion this has grown to 8 billion Australia’s total trade towards the end of 1995 (Chen, 2005). In reverse, china has been an important importer of raw materials from Australia these has established a mutual interdependence between the two countries. Australia welcomes and maintains foreign investments from china investors. Australia is also an importer of capital as well as labor from china. Chinese foreign investment is so important for Australian through creation of jobs, creation of income to the government through taxes and economic integration between the two nations (Chang, & Jory,2012). The Australian government has recognized the need to develop people –people relationship. This is the relationship between the Chinese people and the Australians. In a speech given by an Australian minister of foreign affairs and trade honorable Stephen Smith in 2009, stated that, even though the two countries had developed relationships, the countries also have the role to strengthen personal relationships (Chen, 2005). He further stated that, Australia needs to participate in the Shanghai World Expo 2010 to develop the growing relations. Also, the Australian government is continuously supporting the Australian-china council which has been encouraging people - to- people relations in the past. Another role undertaken by the Australian government is development of Chinese skills and literacy of its people. To enhance this Chinese language such as Mandarin are being taught in Australian education institutions (May, 2005). 4.4 Role of other countries Other nations like the United States affect the relationship between china and Australian. Australia is a great ally of united state who is the worst enemy of china. Both countries should work towards having a triangular relationship since the tension between China and United States might affect its mutual relationship with Australia (Gallagher, 2005). Australian relationship with the US might affect it security due to the economic competition between the two countries. In developing its relation with china Australia should also come up with policies that support good relationship with Washington, New Zealand and US (Gilboy & Heginbotham, 2004). Australian growing relationship with China has also helped to cement Australia’s relations with other countries that are seen as allies of China. It is forming good relations with Asian- Pacific countries which are great allies of china. Also china is forming relationships with countries that are great allies of Australia. Australia is working hard to establish a good relationship between the US and China (Shambaugh, 2005). 5. Discussion of Findings Apart from economic interests, the study discovered that china has strong cultural and political relations with Australia. Australia has embraced the culture of the minority immigrants in their country. The government recognizes Chinese New Year celebrations which are held every year and is recognized as a public holiday celebrated in Sydney and Melbourne. China has established various Confucius institutes in Australia and also Australian government is accepting Chinese students in her educational institutes. Former Australian prime minister, Kelvin Rudd studied in china and he can also speak fluently in mandarin. One contention made by China's leading Australia professionals, is that Australia has endeavored to verify its significance to both the West and Chinese culture. If that is so, Australia has been thriving; in china today, its citizen has expanded desire to understand about Australia. Previously, Australia was not that important in China’s international relations. Insufficient intellectual assets were allocated to Australian activities. Australian investments in Chinese learning focus mainly on heritage and language investigations. This is quite distinct from the position in Australia, where hardworking research on Chinese government and finances is undertaken. A lack of knowledge can boost opportunities for misunderstanding. The Australian government should increase investment in cultural development between the two nations. Interests in cultural development between the two is demonstrated where Australia financed hubs for the study of Australian government and its economy in key universities in China and encourage more Chinese students and professionals to visit Australia. There is not enough literature on cultural relations between China and Australia. It is equally significant to increase the comprehending of China among the Australian public, particularly the younger citizens. Amidst Australians, China’s likeness are often negative. Lack of sufficient knowledge about china has hampered cultural relationship between them. The best procedure of cultural awareness is through cultural exchanges. States and foremost cities should be boosted to hold cultural events with their Chinese sister provinces and towns in the future. In supplement, the government might address establishing an exceptional foundation for dispatching the best students from each state to study in Chinese universities. The policies of friendship should be implemented early. Since 1986 the Australia has been accepting overseas students from china in English faculties and other courses. Since 1989 the Australian government has been offering Chinese students a lot of protection and support. This has strengthened their relations and the number of Chinese students in Australia has increased abundantly. There were approximately 126 000 Chinese students in Australia in the year 2011 which contributed to around 26% of total foreign students in Australia. 6. Conclusion From the above analysis it is observed that, China and Australia has other relations with with each other apart from economic cooperation. Australia has strong educational, cultural and political relations with China. As observed from the study, there various Confucius institutes established in Australia by the Chinese government, these institutes are offering various Chinese language courses to Australian students which helps to develop the relationship between the two countries. Chinese student is also studying English language in Australia; this encourages cultural interaction between the two nations. The Australian government should increase investment in cultural development between the two nations. Interests in cultural development between the two is demonstrated where Australia financed hubs for the study of Australian government and its economy in key universities in China and encourage more Chinese students and professionals to visit Australia. United States relations with Australia is does not favor the relationship between Australia and China. China’s economic growth is a big threat to the US and therefore it is not comfortable with the Australian well developed relationship with China. Australian growing relationship with China has also helped to cement Australia’s relations with other countries that are seen as allies of China. The strong economic relationship between China and Australia does not guarantee a strong political relationship. Australia is uncertain of its future relations with the Asia-Pacific region; the paper states that China is also a big threat to the neighboring countries. The strong military in china reduces the amount of trust that Australia has in china. Australian government proposed to strengthen its military strength by investing 70 billion US dollars in armament in the next 20 years. References Atha, H., 2005, ‘Repairing China’s Social Security Net’, Current History, vol. 45, pp. 268– 271. 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