“Courting the Dragon”, a new report by the Australia Tibet Council (ATC), reveals the alarming extent of Chinese Government attempts to influence Australian politicians, media, NGOs and universities.

“There is little doubt that the deepening financial crisis, our economic interdependence with China and the growing assertiveness of Chinese officials is influencing Australia’s response to many contentious issues, including Tibet”, said Paul Bourke, Executive Officer of the Australia Tibet Council.

The report catalogues numerous examples of Chinese officials breaching international diplomatic norms in attempts to influence Australian politicians. It also appraises the extent to which the Government, universities and civil society may already have succumbed to improper Chinese interference.

Download ‘Courting The Dragon’ (0.99MB PDF)

Last year, during his landmark speech to students at Beijing University, the Prime Minister signalled a more mature and confident relationship with China, pledging to “engage in principled dialogue about matters of contention” and to “see beyond immediate benefit to the broader and firm basis for continuing, profound and sincere friendship”.

The report questions the Government’s commitment to this pledge, stressing that Australia’s near silence on Tibet since April 2008, despite the worsening crackdown and collapse of the Tibet-China dialogue, has sent a dangerous message to Beijing.

“Australia’s near silence on Tibet would lead one to assume that conditions for Tibetans had actually improved. In fact there has been a severe deterioration in the human rights situation facing the Tibetan people over the last year. We have allowed the Chinese Government to believe it can continue its oppressive policies with impunity”, said Mr. Bourke.

ATC’s report contends that tabloid hype and political opportunism surrounding the Joel Fitzgibbon scandal have drawn attention away from legitimate concerns and questions. The report calls for a more intelligent and constructive discussion about how to foster a mature and equitable relationship with China - one that will further develop our economic partnership while ensuring progress in human rights and other vitally important areas.

“In particular, we must be more open eyed about the extent to which Chinese officials are attempting to influence policy and decision making in Australia”, said Mr. Bourke, emphasizing the double standards underlying such behaviour: “It would be unthinkable for our diplomats in Beijing to attempt to instructions to elected Chinese officials, or for our Government to seek to influence the Chinese media. The fallout would be tremendous.”

In addition to well-publicised recent incidents, the report outlines many related trends including the Communist Party’s grip on Australia’s ex-pat Chinese community, cyber attacks on Australian citizens and how Confucius Institutes threaten the autonomy of our universities.

“When you piece all these trends together, the overall picture is quite striking”, said Mr. Bourke.

Download ATC’s latest report ‘Courting The Dragon’ (0.99MB PDF)