China in 2021: Key issues and their significance for Australia

This year China commemorates the centenary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. This occasion has become viewed as a significant milestone in China’s national rejuvenation project. How is this playing out, in terms of Chinese politics, and for its international posture? As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, how is China’s economy managing, and what are the impacts on society? And what does this all mean for Australia, given the pressures on our bilateral relationship?

The Australian Institute of International Affairs in New South Wales is honoured to welcome HE Mr Graham Fletcher, Australian Ambassador to China, to address the Institute.

Mr Fletcher has been Australia's Ambassador to China since August 2019. He was head of the North Asia Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2015. During 2014, he led the team that completed negotiation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Mr Fletcher has served in the Australian Embassy to China on three previous occasions: as Third Secretary (1986-88), Counsellor (1997-2000) and Deputy Head of Mission (2004-08). He was earlier Deputy Head of Mission in the Australian Embassy in Washington (2011-13) and Deputy Consul-General in the Australian Consulate-General in Noumea (1992-94).