The recent creation of Chinatowns in Australia raises the questions of the rationale of what is usually recognized as a community-based settlement, as well as the nature of the narratives behind such a project and the legitimacy of transfer of models. Based on three types of analysis during the 1850-2010 period (history of the immigration policy, chronological development of the Chinese community, and forms of its settlement), this paper investigates the relations between spatial practices, power, and politics in Chinatown areas. The final goal is to assess, in which measure, how Chinatowns in Australia have been influenced by power in place and in which measures urban results have been produced.