ABSTRACT
Modern discourse on Australia–China ties is dominated by a focus on the political-economy of the relationship. However, the bedrock for bilateral ties has always been the social and cultural interactions that take place on a daily basis in both countries. These engagements provide the glue that binds the diplomatic relationship. In seeking to explore the contribution made by contemporary social and cultural ties, it is necessary to contextualise them within the longer history shared by the two countries. This chapter draws upon this historical context as a basis from which to review contemporary ties in the education, tourism and migration sectors. However, even as the interactions in these sectors are overwhelmingly positive, recent years have seen a different, more negative view of the relationship emerge: one where the intersection of public opinion and public policy has been starkly highlighted. Understanding the implications that these contrasting perspectives bring to the relationship is perhaps the biggest challenge facing the two countries as they move into the future together.
