China and Australia have a relationship anchored by strong trade bonds. China is Australia’s largest trading partner, while Australia is a leading source of raw materials for Chinese industry. Recent negotiations have led to the signing of a free trade agreement, and there is strong prime-ministerial level dialogue between the two countries.

Yet this relationship isn’t without tension. China and Australia often find themselves on different sides of the table when it comes to broader bilateral ties, and issues such as disagreements over foreign investment and the position and interests of allied countries threaten to prevent any meaningful co-operation or interaction.

In the inaugural Australia-China Forum in Shanghai co-hosted by La Trobe University and East China Normal University, Dr. Raby discussed the key challenges and opportunities confronting the bilateral relationship of China and Australia.

Click here to listen to the full panel discussion.