Different Histories, Shared Futures (eBook)

This book delves into the Australia-China relationship, which is currently is at its worst since 1972 when the two countries first established a diplomatic relationship. Australia is seen by the US and its front line ally in fight against Chinese economic coercion and expansionism. Derived from an international symposium organized by the editorial team and held in Adelaide, South Australia in September 2021, these essays are an attempt to offer some understanding and explanations for the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties. It is also an attempt to explore the ways by which the two countries can reach some common ground for the future. Most of all the content is relevant to our future, the future that can avoid a war hot or cold, between a rising power of China and the status quo power of the West. Can we have shared but different futures? These questions will be of interest to scholars of international relations, history, and globalization.

Mobo Gao is Professor of Chinese Studies at the University of Adelaide.

Justin O' Connor is Professor of Cultural Economy at the University of South Australia.

Dr. Baohui Xie is scholarly teaching fellow at the University of Adelaide.

Jack Butcher is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide.

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This book delves into the Australia-China relationship, which is currently at its worst since 1972, when the two countries first established a diplomatic relationship. Australia is seen by the US as its front-line ally in its fight in containing China. Derived from an international symposium organized by the editorial team and held in Adelaide, South Australia in September 2021, these essays are an attempt to offer some understanding and explanations for the deterioration of Sino-Australian ties. It is also an attempt to explore the ways by which the two countries can reach some common ground for the future. Despite our very different pasts, can we seek out a shared future together, a future that avoids a war, hot or cold, between a rising power of China and the incumbent US hegemon?