The growing Australian backlash against Chinese influence
Will a Confucius Institute become the next point of contention in Australia-China relations? The Guardian says the former head of Australia’s national intelligence advisory body is calling for an “urgent review” of the arrangement, which dates back to 2011. While Confucius Institutes are found at many universities around the world, the New South Wales Department of Education’s decision to host a Confucius Institute represents the first time the Chinese organization has been “embedded” in a government department.
- Australian sinologist and China Heritage editor Geremie R. Barmé reflects from New Zealand on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the PRC, and Australia’s small neighbor’s approach to Beijing.
- New legislation on espionage and foreign political donations is planned by Australia’s government in response to concerns over Chinese interference, which China denies. We summarized the situation earlier this week.
EARLIER THIS WEEK
- China’s sexual harassment problem
Simone McCarthy reports for The China Project on all the reasons why China is unlikely to see a #MeToo movement that could challenge the misogynistic status quo.
Many residents of China’s frigid northern regions are wondering where the heat has gone as the government continues with its push to move away from coal to cleaner sources of fuel. But costs and lack of access to gas and electricity in some areas have posed challenges, forcing authorities to backtrack and allow the use of coal or firewood for heating in 28 northern cities.
One of three women in a class action lawsuit against China Railway Logistics was awarded back pay and additional compensation, and the other women’s cases are ongoing. The suit is China’s first class action alleging pregnancy discrimination by an employer.
A large and colorful doll stranded amid the rubble of a destroyed shantytown exerts an emotional pull, writes The China Project’s Anthony Tao. “Every object is liable to find itself on the wrong side of a bulldozer,” he writes. “When it comes to staying power, only the symbols have a shot.”
More news from today
- When being Canadian doesn’t help in China
Trudeau leaves China empty-handed / Bloomberg
“Justin Trudeau saw a third way for trade, preaching ‘progressive’ values as a fix to a global order put on the defensive by populists like Donald Trump. But this week in China, he got a crash course on how difficult it is to sell.” - Sexual harassment
#MeToo? Silence, shame and the cost of speaking out about sexual harassment in China / SCMP
“Chinese women tell of police inaction, crackdowns on activism and pressure both from society at large and those closest to them.” - Chest beating around the Korean Peninsula
China’s navy puts on show of strength for North Korea … and United States’ East Asia alliance / SCMP
“More than 40 warships from China’s navy took part in a major exercise in the East China Sea on Thursday, just days after reports that the country’s air force had carried out similar high-level drills.” - Repression of dangerous ideas
Jiang Tianyong and the hunt for hostile foreign forces / China Digital Times
“Supposed collusion with ‘hostile foreign forces’ has been a focus in several recent political prosecutions, including those of Jiang’s fellow rights lawyers.” - Regional worries
China unhappy as Philippines signs investment deal with Taiwan / SCMP
China warns of imminent attacks by “terrorists” in Pakistan / Reuters - Silver China
Long-term care trial covers 38m elders / China Daily
