China Dependence: Australia's New Vulnerability

“There is no Australian future – sunlit or shadowed – in which China will not be central.” ALLAN GYNGELLThe seventh issue of Australian Foreign Affairs explores Australia’s status as the most China-dependent country in the developed world, and the potential risks this poses to its future prosperity and security. China Dependence examines how Australia should respond to the emerging economic and diplomatic challenges as its trade – for the first time – is heavily reliant on a country that is not a close ally or partner. • Allan Gyngell calls on Australia to dial back its hysteria as it navigates ties with China. • Margaret Simons explores whether Australia’s universities are banking unsustainably on Chinese students. • Richard McGregor considers Australia’s trade dependence on China and the dangers of economic coercion. • David Uren probes ASIO’s expanding role in monitoring foreign investment and asks if Australia’s fears are trumping opportunities. • Ben Bohane reports from Bougainville in the lead-up to its historic referendum on independence.• Melissa Conley Tyler proposes a new funding model to reinvigorate the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. • David Kilcullen offers a US perspective on Australia’s defence vulnerabilities and capabilities.PLUS Correspondence on AFA6: Our Sphere of Influence from Jonathan Pryke, Wesley Morgan, Sandra Tarte and more.