On 22 February 2017 China Matters held its first Young Professionals Debate featuring two YP alumni and two special guests on each debate team.
The two teams debated the question:
‘Should Australia welcome China’s pursuit of a new regional order?’
Team 1 on the affirmative: Cameron Bruce and Peter Hartcher
Team 2 on the negative: Brenden Chen and Zoe McKenzie
The evening saw a lively discussion between panellists and the audience debating China’s approach to the rules based order, touching on tough issues such as the South China Sea, China’s relationship with North and South Korea, regional trade agreements and the US’ role in the Asia Pacific.
Brenden Chen and Zoe McKenzie on Team 2 were voted by the audience as the winning team for putting forward the most convincing argument.