China Matters held its inaugural Young Professionals National Meeting on 15 November 2016 in Canberra at the Australian Centre on China in the World, ANU. Young professionals from business and government, aged 35 and under, discussed the impact of China’s strategic regional ambitions on Australian business, and how to balance Chinese investment with Australia’s national interests. Each session ended with one or two policy recommendations for the Australian government.
The two panel sessions focused on:
- How should Australian businesses respond to China’s regional ambitions?
- What should be done to ensure that PRC investment does not compromise Australia’s national interests?
- China’s deepening engagement in Australian society: Is it a concern?
Panellists included Ms Erny Wah, Adviser, North Asia and Trade International Division, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; Mr Isaac Huang, Government Relations Manager for China, Swisse Wellness; Ms Mercedes Page, Analyst, Thales; Founder and CEO, Young Australians in International Affairs; Mr Lloyd Bradbury, Associate, Greenhill & Co; Ms Helen Dai, Foreign Investment Specialist, Foreign Investment and Trade Division, Department of the Treasury and Mr Andrew Kiley, Director, Critical Infrastructure and Protective Security Branch, Attorney-General’s Department. Session I was moderated by Mr Edward Kus, Solicitor, DLA Piper and Session II was moderated by Timothy Robinson, Associate Director, Corview.
