As tensions between China and Australia intensify, Australian colleges and universities have been affected by stray bullets. According to a leading China analyst, things could get worse before they get better.
Ivanov (Philipp Ivanov), president of the Asian Association of Australia (Asia Society Australia), a think-tank, said the Chinese authorities were seeking answers from university leaders and diplomats. To explain Australia`s policies and media statements on issues such as academic freedom and foreign intervention. He stressed that education and tourism are highly vulnerable to Beijing`s discontent, while other sectors with close ties to China, such as mining exports, will not.
"because of the scale of personnel exchanges and interaction with the Chinese government, university executives will hear these views in a more violent manner," Ivanov said. "in addition, because this is a people-centred industry, So it`s much more sensitive to changes in public opinion than iron ore or coal exports. "
Born son, Vladivostok`s Ivanov served as director of the Australian-China Council of Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-authored the 2012 Australia in Asia Century White Paper. He also advised the University of Sydney on China`s strategy and led (Research Institute for Asia and the Pacific)., the school`s Asia-Pacific research institute.
He told the Times higher Education Supplement that some Australian universities were too dependent on international tuition fees. "more importantly, some universities are over-reliant on a country-China-and in the event of complex issues that they cannot identify with, China has exactly the most policy tools to limit students from studying in Australia. This poses a huge risk to some universities. "
Ivanov said there was no evidence that the Chinese government was "punishing" Australia by restricting the movement of students. "but there is anecdotal evidence that some people in China are asking if our attitudes and policies towards Chinese students are changing," he said. "everyone is watching this very closely. If I were the president of the University of Australia, I would keep an eye on it. "
Some tensions are directly related to universities, including the impression that Chinese officials and students are doing their utmost to limit academic freedom in Australian universities. The safety of Chinese students in Australia, as well as the delays of Australian immigration officials in processing visas for Chinese students, are also of concern.
China has reportedly cancelled or postponed educational exchanges, including this month`s trip to China by the Australian headmaster, and Chinese officials have issued warnings to students about security and visa issues in Australia.
However, objections have been raised that the meeting was postponed only because Chinese officials had a full schedule after last month`s session of the National people`s Congress. Others say the safety warnings are not from China`s Ministry of Education, as the media claim, but only from embassies and consulates in Australia.
Meanwhile, Nor have security concerns diminished the interest of Chinese students in studying in the United States: shootings in the United States did not stop Chinese students from growing nearly 7 percent-twice the overall rate of growth in international education.
The number of Chinese students studying in Australia is also on the rise, but there are some unclear signs-including a strong interest in basic courses. And the fact that Chinese students apply for applications from Australia, not from China, raises the question of whether this will last.
Ivanov said there were signs that the Chinese government, which is in charge of providing scholarships, was "somewhat indifferent" to Australia. "hopefully this is just a cold shoulder and we can find a way to readjust and continue to communicate." He said。
It is important to ensure that it does not change from cold treatment to restrictive measures that actually affect students or joint research. Contrary to some media reports, most research and educational exchanges with China are positive and contribute to both countries. "
Australia`s words have shifted from seeing China as its biggest trading partner and "savior" during the global financial crisis, he said, to see it as "a dark force trying to occupy Australia." And this is partly because the media exposed "things that have never been said."
"We will go through a painful adjustment process and perhaps a more robust and honest dialogue," he said. "hopefully in the end, we will have more realistic expectations on each other-but before that, things may get worse."
