Pandemic year points to more crisis for Australia and China
2020 marked a year of rolling crises for both Australia and China that have shaken the two nations and their relationship, a new book from The Australian National University (ANU) argues. The China Story Yearbook: Crisis surveys multiple crises in both countries during the year of the metal rat, which symbolises a 'new day', including the COVID-19 pandemic, catastrophic floods in China and devastating bushfires in Australia. Produced by the ANU Centre on China in the World (CIW), the book is available for free download via ANU Press - one of the world's largest open access presses. The book is launched at the National Press Club today with a special panel featuring journalist Michael Smith and Wang Xining, Deputy Head of Mission, Minister at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. "I don't think there was any other title that we could've chosen for this yearbook other than crisis," editor and CIW Director Professor Jane Golley said. - "In the first quarter of 2020 China's economy contracted more than it has done in the last 30 years. The Chinese Government moved quickly to stimulate the economy, resorting to a familiar playbook by channelling government funds and investment into infrastructure and the construction sector.
