Economics

China enters 2021 a stronger, more influential power — and Australia may feel the squeeze even more

December

By James Laurenceson

Note: This article appeared in The Conversation on January 4 2021.

Interrogating Chinese economic coercion: the Australian experience since 2017

December

This paper begins by critically reviewing the theoretical basis underpinning use of economic coercion to shift a target country’s political positions, drawing attention to the likelihood of success being context-dependent. Six case studies are then documented where a coercive frame is evident in reporting and commentary to interpret Chinese actions taken against Australian exports since 2017. These show that trade impacts of Chinese actions have generally been modest in scale, short-lived and/or significantly mitigated.

The economic and emissions impacts of trade disruptions between Australia and the PRC

December

China’s economic coercion — theory vs practice

December

By Michael Zhou and Thomas Pantle

Note: This article appeared in The China Story, a blog by the Australian Centre on China in the World and the China Policy Centre, on December 9 2020.

Why Australia is on its own in its trade conflict with China

December

By James Laurenceson

Note: This article appeared in the South China Morning Post on December 2 2020.

There’s no need for panic over China’s trade threats

December

By James Laurenceson

Note: This article appeared in The Conversation, on November 12 2020.

China’s increasingly belligerent threats to close its markets to Australian exports have excited talk of a full-blown trade war.

But let’s not panic. These threats are best understood as psychological warfare, not a statement of reality.

Doing business in a complex geopolitical landscape – some stories of success

December

Perspectives is UTS:ACRI's monthly commentary series, featuring a piece on a topical subject in the Australia-China relationship from an invited expert contributor. 

By Merriden Varrall

Australia as a pioneer in dealing with China

December

By James Laurenceson

Note: A German translation of this article appeared in Internationale Politik und Gesellschaft (International Politics and Society) Journal on October 27 2020.

Australia’s exports to the PRC: take away iron ore and what’s left?

December

Iron ore has long been a dominant component of Australia’s exports to the People's Republic of China (PRC). This means that even relatively small changes in the world price of iron ore can have a significant impact on the total value of Australia’s exports to the PRC. This fact sheet removes iron ore from the equation to more clearly see how other components of Australia’s exports to the PRC are evolving.

The lesser-known benefits of trade with China

December

By Xunpeng Shi

Note: This article appeared in Asia & the Pacific Policy Society’s blog, Policy Forum, on October 21 2020.