Executive Briefing | U.S.-China Confrontation and Australia With the Hon Kevin Rudd AC

How will continued U.S.-China confrontation impact Australia’s economic and geopolitical standing in the region? Is there space for cooperation and how can Australia participate in de-escalating tensions?

As U.S.-China tensions escalate, President Xi remains confident that China’s economy will surpass that of the United States within the next decade. Its economy is already strong enough to weather the drawbacks of international sanctions and Beijing is set on achieving self-sufficiency in the near future.

Experts believe that economic decoupling between the two powers would unavoidably lead to open confrontation and that rebuilding trust has never been more crucial. In his recent Foreign Policy piece, 'Short of War'', Kevin Rudd argues that reducing the risk of confrontation will require a strict set of rules. As both camps continue to build a balance of power in their favour, can Australia be the region’s best partner to deal with rising tensions?  

Join our briefing with the Honourable Kevin Rudd AC in conversation with Professor Jane Golley as they unpack his proposed framework for “managed strategic competition” and highlight how Australia could benefit from cooperation in certain areas.

Date: Thursday 1 April 2021
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. AEDT

Please note, this event is under Chatham House rules and will not be recorded.

This event is for Asia Society members only. For information on becoming a member, visit here.