Chixu Fazhan Zhong de Bodong: Zhong Ao Guanxi Jinkuang

Abstract

Apart from providing an overview of current Sino-Australian relations, the article also traces developments in the past three years, straddling the Gillard, Rudd and Abbott administrations. The author finds that the bilateral relationship continues to be characterized by steady growth of substantive exchanges, interspersed with occasional frictions and punctuated by fluctuations in the level of warmth in official interactions. The article also finds that the frequency of frictions between the two sides, largely in the political sphere, has been on the increase in recent years. The author argues that the increasing frequency of political frictions is not a reflection of deterioration of relations, but has largely stemmed from the growing intensity of bilateral interchanges, which in itself is a welcome trend likely to continue. The author puts forward a number of policy recommendations, suggesting that the key to a more stable political relationship lies in the enhancement of mutual trust and confidence between two partners striving to overcome cultural-linguistic, socio-political and ideological barriers.