Australia and China - 40 years of diplomatic relations
Dr Geoff Raby
The evolving and often challenging nature of Australia's relationship with China will be addressed in the second annual Richard Larkins Oration to be held in Melbourne tonight.
Former Australian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and Monash University Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow Dr Geoff Raby will draw on his extensive experience in international relations when he delivers Australia-China Relations at 40: pivot, divot and the US.
During the address, to be delivered at the State Library of Victoria, Dr Raby will discuss the foreign and security policy tensions that are emerging in the Australian-Chinese relationship.
The Richard Larkins Oration is named after a former Vice-Chancellor of Monash, Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO, who retired from the position in 2009. The oration is named in recognition of Professor Larkins’ achievements as an educator, researcher and community leader.
As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Larkins passionately advocated Monash University’s mission to improve the human condition by advancing knowledge and fostering creativity in communities around the world. In keeping with this, the Richard Larkins Oration provides an opportunity for a distinguished member of the international community to speak about the great challenges of our time and how we might address them.
Professor Raby said that as Australia and China celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, the countries seem more uncertain about each other than at any time since 1972.
"The great challenge for Australia is balancing its vital economic interests in China with its long-standing security relationship with the United States," Professor Raby said.
"Has the balance tilted too far with recent announcements of the US pivot and Australia's support for this? Are there alternatives?"
Dr Raby was appointed a Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in 2011. His previous roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs include Australia’s lead negotiator for the World Trade Organisation, APEC Ambassador, and First Assistant Secretary for both International Organisations and Legal Division and Trade Negotiations and Organisations Division. Dr Raby also held the positions of Deputy Secretary and Australia’s Ambassador to Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation.
Dr Raby will deliver The Richard Larkins Oration tonight at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne. The reception begins at 5.30pm, with the address, Australia-China Relations at 40: pivot, divot and the US to commence at 7pm.
Media are welcome to attend. For further information contact Emily Walker, Monash Media and Communications on +61 3 9903 4844 or emily.walker@monash.edu.