2017 was the 45th anniversary of bilateral ties between the People’s Republic of China and Australia. It was not an ideal celebration of the relationship. Over the past year there has been heated discussion within Australian media and political circles about Chinese influence in the country, and its role in the world more broadly. Australian politicians have been public in their critique of China as a threat. China has reacted strongly, both at the official and unofficial levels. Much Chinese media has been scathing in its coverage of Australia.
It is fair to say that the bilateral relationship is at a very low point. But are bilateral relations set for a major break?
