Unique perspectives, new beginnings: ANZSOG’s return to China

ANZSOG’s first post-pandemic China Reciprocal Program (CRP) has been a unique opportunity for Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand public sector leaders to go behind the scenes in China to gain fresh perspectives and engage in fruitful dialogue with senior Chinese government officials, academics and business leaders. 

China is the largest trading partner of both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and a key to the strategic future of both countries as it rises to challenge the United States as a regional and global superpower. As a result, many Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand public agencies have programs and linkages with China, most often focused on trade, engagement, or dialogue about respective and mutual national interests.  

ANZSOG’s Dean and CEO Professor Caron Beaton-Wells, who went on the program as Head of Delegation, observes that the relationship with China is likely to be one the defining factors for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand over the 21st century. 

“For public sector leaders, improving China knowledge, literacy and capability will be vital for public governance now, and into the future,” Professor Beaton-Wells said. 

“The China Reciprocal Program focuses on building mutual understanding and closer links between China, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand in the contemporary context. This is important given the differences between our nations’ cultures, histories and political systems. First-hand experience is invaluable for breaking down misconceptions and deepening insights, and for building bridges and relationships that will be crucial for effective public governance.” 

The delegation of eight public sector leaders returned from China in November, after an intensive academic and experiential 12-day program which saw them visit Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. 

The CRP benefits from long-standing trilateral support from DFAT’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the Aotearoa New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Central Party School (China National Academy of Governance). 

As a long-standing program initiated and led for many years by former ANZSOG Dean & CEO, Professor Allan Fels AO, the 2024 resumption involved significant updating of the broad areas of engagement and action between these three countries, with a modern agenda focused on academic learning, official visits, embassy and consulate activities and site visits to state-owned enterprises as well as advanced manufacturing facilities, many of which have business partnerships in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand. 

For example, the group was able to visit the site of Australian company Cochlear’s China manufacturing site in Chengdu. With a large investment venture in China, Cochlear is a global leader in implantable hearing solutions, and the visit provided insights into how international partnerships focused on transforming R&D into actions can benefit the many millions with hearing loss. 

Other visits included the Bank of China, The State Grid Corporation of China, China Baowu Iron & Steel Group Co, Tianqi Lithium, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. 

Complementing the practical aspects of the program, participants were also given academic lectures by ANU’s Australian Centre on China in the World (CIW) prior to departure as well as by academics and public policy experts from the China National Academy of Governance  and Shanghai Administrative Institute on subjects that included: China’s Economy and State-Owned-Enterprise Reform; Chinese Governance, Politics, History and Culture; China’s Population Policy; and Shanghai’s Reform and Opening-up Process.  

Reflecting the new approach for this CRP, ANZSOG also hosted an inaugural ANZSOG Roundtable discussion facilitated by David Olsson AM, National President and Chair of the Australia-China Business Council (who supported the delegation as Deputy Program Director), and an ANZSOG Masterclass by John McKinnon, Aotearoa New Zealand’s former Ambassador to China, and current Chair of the New Zealand China Council. Both David and John accompanied the delegates across the tour, providing depth and breadth of knowledge for the participants.  

Professor Beaton-Wells said that the program had fast-tracked participants’ understanding of China’s approach to public governance in the 21st Century, with special focus on the post-pandemic period.  

“Through the lectures, site visits, and cultural exchanges, participants have gained a multifaceted understanding of China’s contemporary and historical governance, economic advancements, and urban development.” 

“The agenda for this visit sought to present a balanced view, spanning multiple public governance perspectives, on governmental programs and approaches. CRP 2024 demonstrated a variety of transnational public governance themes that provide opportunities for collaboration and stronger working relationships between China, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes pragmatic opportunities such as building a green economies and societies.”  

ANZSOG’s Director of Global Engagement, Dr Anneke Schmider, along with Senior Advisor – Global Engagement, Karamzo Saccoh and Senior Program Coordinator, Lulu Wang, provided on the ground support through the program. Their coordination ensured the program’s smooth delivery, facilitating meaningful connections and enriching the participants’ experience in navigating China’s public governance and cultural nuances. 

Professor Beaton-Wells thanked the China Central Party School (China National Academy of Governance) for their collaboration and hospitality, as well as the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand embassies and consulates for their invaluable support in facilitating the program on the ground.