Unwelcome Chinese Economic, Political, and Military Influence: How Australia Serves as an Example in Combating Chinese Influence

Abstract

Chinese engagement worldwide has increased significantly as the country has continued to grow. With increased engagement militarily, economically, politically, etc. concerns have increased surrounding Chinese foreign influence in other countries, particularly Western countries. While concerns are wide-ranging, this dissertation uses a qualitative case study to examine influence concerns in three key areas in Australia and what Australia is doing to combat these influence concerns. The areas are economics (investments), politics (interference through political donations), and military (concerns over Chinese activities in the Pacific). Australia was selected due to its precarious position of being strongly connected to China economically, with China being Australia's top two-way trading partner. Since China doesn't separate trade and politics, Australia stands to lose when limiting Chinese influence, but this hasn't stopped the country from responding. Australia has passed many laws, introduced new regulations, announced new initiatives, and blocked certain high-profile investments to limit influence and influence concerns. Additionally, Australia can serve as a model to other countries with similar concerns.