A powerful and assertive China poses significant policy challenges for Australia. Many of our most pressing policy issues have crucially important China angles, from freedom of speech on university campuses to scientific research collaboration and supply chain management.
Yet, there is a dire lack of policy expertise on China in the public service and few signs this is improving.
The Australian Public Service (APS) has long recognised the importance of Asia expertise generally. However, an independent review in 2019 noted that while Asia proficiency was a core focus of the 2012 Asian Century White Paper,
coordinated and sustained action to deepen Asia-relevant capabilities was not taken then, and it remains a skills gap across the public service.