Appendix O.B - Discourse Analysis Referenced in Chapter 2

Cultural Diplomacy in the (sub)National
Interest?: A comparative analysis of

Australia’s China policy and South
Australia’s China Engagement Strategy,
2013-2017
Online appendices
Attached to the thesis presented by Benjamin John Maltby (student number: 757921) to the
School of Social and Political Sciences in 2018, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in the School of Social and Political Sciences
Supervisor: Dr. Allan Patience

Online appendix O.B – Discourse analysis referenced in chapter 2
Following Fairclough and Fairclough (2012)’s model of argumentation analysis, the thesis
presumes that “argumentation, and practical argumentation in particular, is the primary
activity that is going on in political discourse” (p. 86). All political arguments seek to
represent certain actors in certain ways, providing a basis for arguments made about how
those actors ought to act or be treated. Argumentation analysis aims to reveal the nature of
these representations, and to categorise and codify the key claims and goals proposed with
respect to those representations in a given piece of discourse. Throughout this thesis, this has
been used to reveal the logic underpinning Australian foreign policy approaches to China
under both the Abbott and Turnbull governments.
The following tables contain the author’s analytical material and commentary produced from
their argumentative analysis of all 215 speeches and media releases referenced in the second
chapter of this thesis. Texts were sampled with a content search for the term “China” on
media repositories on government websites. This method follows a model offered by
Fairclough and Fairclough (2012, p. 88), but extended with a practical synthesis of discursive
trends identified across all speeches. The terms used in this table’s headings are as follows:
- Topic: what is the discourse about?

- Premises: what does the discourse assume to be true?
- Key claims: what assertions does the discourse make about actors’ behaviour or the
nature of a given scenario? Alternatively: what problems does the discourse claim to
exist, or what does it aim to solve?
- Key goals: how does the discourse assume an actor or scenario ought to be
approached? Alternatively: how does it propose a problem ought to be solved? What
actions should the actor take?
- Alternatives presented: what happens if the actor does not meet their key goals, or
take the actions they argue ought to be taken? (Alternatives tend to be cast in a
negative light, so as to make the discourse’s proposed course of action appear more
compelling.)
- Representation of (x): how does the discourse characterise a given actor? What
qualities does it ascribe them? Does it frame them in a positive or negative light?
2
Content Context ‘Practical argument’ Representation of: Key words and quotes
Date Auth. Document title Document Topic Premises Key claims Key goals Alternatives Australia China
type presented
Abbott government begins: 18/9/13

25/9/13 Bishop The Special Event Speech A comment on the The Asia-Pacific is rapidly Economic growth is the Increase economic growth Poor countries remain A good ‘global citizen’ and, As a model for how neoliberal “[the reduction in poverty rates
in 2013 to follow up Millenium Development rising out of poverty best mechanism to reduce by liberalising trade isolated from world most importantly, a strong economics address poverty. across the Asia-Pacific] has
efforts made Goals, and a manifesto on poverty. This demands (through FTAs, etc.); markets and poorly (if not necessary powerful) (Implicit: China is a ‘reformed been underpinned by economic
towards achieving Australia’s (neoliberal) good (i.e. effective invest more in encouraging governed, and advocate for neoliberalism economy’ that’s now doing the growth, most notably in
the Millennium approach to how to achieve neoliberal) governance other states to grow therefore remain poor right thing) China”; “China is a clear
Development Goals them economically. Also, example of the power of
increase ‘good economic growth as the
governance’ in poverty- driver for poverty reduction”;
stricken states “The progressive liberalisation
of China’s economy has
supported its strong growth and
improved living standards for
hundreds of millions of its
citizens”; “One dollar invested
in aid for trade leads to an
estimated increase of nearly
eight dollars in additional
exports from developing
countries”
30/09/2013 Abbott JOINT PRESS Press statement PM’s first visit to Indonesia. A ‘new start’ with Indonesia Future for Australia’s Strengthen relationship - Friendly, warm, welcoming N/A ‘warm’, ‘collegial’, ‘respect’
STATEMENT Focus on Indonesia’s relationship with Indonesia
WITH HIS ‘democratic’ status is bright
EXCELLENCY DR
SUSILO
BAMBANG
YUDHOYONO,
PRESIDENT OF
THE REPUBLIC
OF INDONESIA
30/09/2013 Abbott Address to Official Speech “” Mutual friendship already A relationship based on To “build on this - Friendly, but ‘mentor-like’ – N/A “Australia has always
Dinner, Istana exists with Indonesia (NB mutual trust, respect and relationship of goodwill” ‘helping’ Indonesia more considered itself a good friend
Negara, Jakarta contrasting premise to previous goodwill will be of with Indonesia, in order to than vice-versa of Indonesia and is now
speech) enormous mutual benefit strengthen bilateral and determined to be a trusted
multilateral relations in partner. “, ‘mutual trust’,
Asia ‘respect’, ‘friendship’, “an
abundance of goodwill between
two quite distinct countries.”,
“strategic partners.”
18/10/13 Bishop Speech to Speech Delivered in South Korea; a - - - - A key market for South - -
Sungkyunkwan comment on Australia’s Korean business
University relationships with South
Korea. No substantive
mention of China.
Interesting to note that this

was part of a visit to both
Japan (where China didn’t
get a mention) and SK, but
not to China; ‘othering’
China?
30/10/13 Bishop Address to ACFID Speech Acts as an overview of Australia has an important role “the greatest tool for Put forth a new model of Implicit: poor A helpful, friendly regional Again, as a model for “perhaps the greatest
Chairs and CEOs Bishop’s first month as to play in alleviating poverty in poverty alleviation is not diplomacy to engage in countries continue to partner, but one with more neoliberalism. A poverty- achievement in alleviating
Dinner foreign minister, and its region, but just delivering one individual aid project, the region – economic flounder with little money and resources than reduction success story poverty in our time has been
outlining her goals for the aid isn’t enough but rather broader diplomacy economic growth most of its neighbours. the changed circumstances for
region. An ‘economic economic development (China isn’t really directly Interesting to note that China is hundreds of millions of people
diplomacy’ manifesto and aid for trade initiatives referenced) often framed as a good country in living in China. Embracing
to build livelihoods, the context of it being much liberal economic policies and
provide jobs and grow better than it used to be, rather grasping at opportunities
economies” than being objectively politically offered by international trade
sound on its own merits. (And liberalisation have lifted over
there’s an implicit assumption 500 million Chinese people out
there that it could also be a of poverty in just two
normatively better international decades.”; and on ‘economic
actor) diplomacy’: “It's the heart of
our foreign policy approach as
well, what we're calling
economic diplomacy”
3
type presented
Also: not related directly to

China, but this speech has
comments on ‘branding’ and
education as key diplomacy
tools - hints at Australian
sources of soft power?
4/11/13 Bishop China Advanced Speech Welcoming members of a Australia already has a strong, Australia and China’s To ‘broaden, deepen and - As a useful seller of goods: As a good customer: “China's “The new Coalition
Leadership program designed to comprehensive, diverse and economic relationship is diversify the Australia- “Australia's role as a reliable demands have helped boost Government is resolute in its
Program encourage collaboration, productive relationship with ‘win-win’, and is already China relationship’ supplier of natural resources Australia's our economy and determination to broaden,
learning and skill-sharing China becoming more diverse has helped China sustain its grow our resources industry.” deepen and diversify the
between members of the urbanisation”. Also: as a Also, as a willing and friendly Australia-China relationship”;
Chinese and Australian teacher to Chinese public international partner “we have built a relationship
public service. This program service officials, in the based on shared desire to
is described as ‘an important context of the program this deepen our economic,
component of our bilateral speech introduces political, cultural and social
relationship’ connections.
Just one example — but
possibly the most striking —
is the enormous growth in our
trade relationship” [NB again
here the resolute focus on
trade]; “the relationship
between China and Australia is
multi-layered, it's dynamic and
it is diverse”
16/11/13 Bishop Speech to Speech Given in India, talking about - - - - A ‘safe’ regional ally, and a In a slightly wary fashion: see “[we support] a China that
Confederation of regional engagement (and strong defender of the quote. Basically, the tone behind makes a positive contribution to
Indian Industries lamenting that Australia ‘rules-based international that quote is that China might not regional peace and stability.”
hasn’t engaged that strongly order’ make a positive contribution to
with India in the past) regional peace and stability. (It is,
however, the only quote
substantively characterising
China in the whole piece)
22/11/13 Bishop ‘Australia and the Speech Coincides with AUSMIN Alliance with the US is - - - A hopeful and optimistic An ‘emerging global power’. Not -
United States in the US/Aus bilateral talks. Has a fundamentally important to country that sees promise, as a threat so much, but as a
21st Century’ strong focus on the Australia’s security and the rather than threats, in its disruptive force in the Asia-
Speech given at the importance of the TPP, stability of the region (the latter region. Particularly keen on Pacific region… and one that
Banyan Tree which corresponds with is a crucial point, cos it gets the US’s ‘strategic hasn’t yet been fully realised
Leadership Forum, Bishop’s ‘economic overlooked in the discourse rebalance’ to Asia.
Center for Strategic diplomacy’ focus. Very quite often)
and International limited mention of China Not framing itself as
Studies, terrified/anxious and thereby
Washington, DC dependent on the US, but at
the same time it’s incredibly
keen on the US remaining
involved in the region…
25/11/13 Bishop Address to the Speech Given in Perth, hosted by - - - - An ‘economic diplomat’, but As a good, promising customer. -
Leadership Matters the West Australian also curious and willing to Heavy references to the FTA
Breakfast newspaper. Discusses engage more with the Asia- being negotiated. These include
elements of ‘leadership’ in Pacific region references to service industries,
foreign policy however, tacitly implying a
desire for a deeper mode of
engagement…
Also limited references to the
New Colombo Plan
26/11/13 Bishop China's Media release Issued in response to China - - - - Focused on regional ‘Unhelpful’, and unpredictable. “The Department of Foreign
announcement of establishing an air-defence stability. A neutral A divergence from all the other Affairs and Trade yesterday
an air-defence identification zone over the stakeholder in regional ‘friendly’ discourse… A called in China's Ambassador
identification zone East China Sea – see disputes, but with an interest ‘frustrating’ state. to convey the Australian
over the East footnote – with reference to in ensuring a peaceful Government's concerns and to
China Sea the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands region. Concerned. Angry? seek an explanation of China's
that are the source of all this ‘Opposed to changes of the intentions.”
East China Sea tension.1 status quo’
Broadly interpreted as a
unilateral escalation of
tensions over the islands
29/11/13 Bishop Australia-China Media release A brief, rather abrupt media Australia and China often - - - A cautious and circumspect A partner, but not exactly a “…frank, informal and wide-
Forum forges release acknowledging the disagree on things partner to China. friend. See the use of ‘frank’ and ranging discussions reflecting
closer ties Forum ‘informal’ – it’s more like the breadth of the bilateral
China’s an acquaintance? relationship.” – NB how not
1
“China Extends Air-Defence Perimeter,” BBC News, November 23, 2013, sec. Asia, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25062525.
4
type presented
What’s important here is Perhaps the events of 3 days prior overtly friendly this is!! ‘frank’
that there’s no positive, disrupted trust a bit… and ‘informal’ are circumspect
emotive language (i.e. words to use… - also;
nothing like what Abbott Second quote illustrates a “Exchanging perspectives in
exhibited this time the presumption that there will be this way contributes to
following year) differences between the two that greater understanding
need to be ‘managed’ (and, between Australia and China.
therefore, can’t be resolved)… It helps both sides to explore
which is in contrast with ‘mutual opportunities for greater
understanding’ rhetoric from collaboration on our shared
earlier interests, as well as to manage
any differences that may arise
from time to time.”
2/12/2013 Abbott We’ll harness the Press statement Using the G20 meeting in Increasing global trade is Interactions with our “Remove the international “the impact of a Action-oriented, leading, N/A ‘growth’, ‘economy’,
power of the G20 Brisbane to boost global positive-sum and an essential neighbours are designed to impediments to trade and slowing world pragmatic ‘strength’, ‘trade
growth goal. Implicit: positive build a stronger economy growth”, “a stronger world economy”: fewer jobs,
regional interactions are economy” less global wealth,
predicated on good economic worse neighbourly
relationships interactions
4/12/13 Bishop Visit to Indonesia, Media release Announcing the Minister’s Australia and China often agree - - - If anything, as a good aid As a bilateral partner. This Only quote referencing China
China and the impending overseas trip on things donor – but that’s not with (now) implies that China and is: “In China, Ms Bishop will
Philippines around North Asia relation to China Australia have more shared participate in the annual
(NB the sharp difference in interests worth discussing than Foreign and Strategic Dialogue
tone between the previous differences worth resolving… with Foreign Minister Wang
speech and Bishop’s previous change in discourse is notable. Yi. The Dialogue is a key
one! What’s interesting is that (Resulting from a change in mechanism to take forward our
it’s still circumspect, but the audience…?) comprehensive bilateral
use of ‘bilateral agenda’ rather agenda, and to discuss regional
than ‘managing differences’ and global issues of common
totally changes the tone of the concern.”
media release)
22/1/14 Bishop US-Australia: The Speech A speech outlining Bishop’s US alliance is the ‘cornerstone Essential that the US Increase US engagement ‘Tensions’ in Asia are A cautious but optimistic Rhetorical tension between “strategic vulnerability” [with
Alliance in an interpretation of the key of our national security’ engages more in Asia, for in Asia through both allowed to fester, partner in the Asia-Pacific, potential regional security threat reference to Menzies’ era, but
Emerging Asia roles for the ANZUS the good of the world bilateral and multilateral creating a higher determined to take a leading (focusing on South China Sea still a telling quote]; “the
alliance into the coming mechanisms chance of actual role in multilateral action to tensions) and its status as a great Australia - US alliance remains
decades conflict in the region ensure peace (NB this is the economic partner – see long the cornerstone of our
key aim throughout a lot of quote to the right; not placing national security”; since the
this discourse) blame on China, just referring to Second World War, the US
‘tensions’ (see notes on keywords presence has been the essential
below). Something of a laggard stabiliser for regional
in the ‘international rules-based security.”; “In December
order’ and ‘global economy’, Japan's Prime Minister Abe
which Australia and the US have visited the Yasukuni Shrine,
to collectively work hard to bringing to the fore the
address unresolved tensions between
China, Japan and South Korea.
Such events escalate the
already tense regional
environment.
It is fair to say that our
region, indeed the world,
continues to feel the
reverberation of China's rise.
Much of this is positive, of
course.”; “Australia, like the
US and other regional
countries, has a great stake in
China's growing prosperity
and its ever-closer integration
into the global economy.”;
“We must also continue to
build the regional architecture,
and to strengthen the
international rules-based
order.”
24/1/14 Bishop Address to the Speech An address given at Harvard Australia’s proximity to Asia Australia is a good - - - A good customer – references to -
G'Day USA promoting Australian has a lot to do with its business destination free trade agreements (FTAs)
Australian Outlook business opportutnities for economic strength
Luncheon Americans
6/2/14 Bishop Address to Speech Given to PNG business - - - - - As above One interesting quote:
Australia-PNG delegates to promote the “Australian investment [in
5
type presented
Business Council economic relationship PNG] translates to about

Breakfast between the two countries. nineteen billion Australian
Peripheral references to dollars or thereabouts—that's
China roughly the amount that
Australian invests in China”. -
this comparison is very rarely
brought up in public discourse
6/2/14 Bishop Address to Lae Speech As above - - - - - As above Roughly the same quote as
Chamber of above
Commerce
14/2/14 Bishop Opening address - Speech Given to a conference of Australia necessarily plays a Australia needs to work Engage in bilateral and Aid that isn’t jobs- A “trusted and effective A ‘newly developed economy’; a “millions of people have been
2014 Australasian experts and stakeholders in leading role in the Asia-Pacific productively with its multilateral partnerships – focused leads to worse donor” state actively and positively lifted out of poverty by
Aid and Australian international aid / region in delivering aid etc. neighbours in order to oftentimes, led by development outcomes engaged in international economic growth which creates
International humanitarian aid programs because it’s one of (if not the) capitalise on their Australia – to best deliver for Asia-Pacific development. Also, a neoliberal jobs and which improves
Development most developed 1st world collective strengths to market-led aid nations success story; a former aid standards of living. Have a look
Policy workshop economy in the region deliver aid recipient now transformed into a at countries like China and the
big aid donor Asian Tigers and I know that
this is true”; “We should be
engaging China for not only is
it a growing presence in our
region, but we should be
doing what we can to
capitalise on our respective
strengths, using our combined
weight to bear overcoming
some of the development
challenges of the Pacific”;
“Australia is a trusted and
effective donor, China is a
newly developed economy and
PNG’s economy is going
through a transition”; “This is a
positive concrete example of
China’s active engagement in
international development” [as
if this is
improbable/unexpected]
4/3/2014 Abbott Address to the Speech The Coalition’s paid - - - - - - -
International parental leave scheme. Brief
Women’s Day reference to China as a
Parliamentary metaphor, not relevant
Breakfast
4/3/2014 Abbott Address to the 2014 Speech Boosting the economic - - - - - - ‘free trade agreement’, “[we]
ForestWorks value of Australia’s forestry are working well towards free
Dinner, Canberra industry. Mention of China trade agreements with Japan
in reference to FTA and with China.”
6/3/14 Bishop Address to Sydney Speech A short manifesto on Australia has a crucial interest Economic diplomacy Be a ‘friend’ to Asian Economies suffer, A long-standing ‘economic A state characterised by its “If the goal of traditional
Institute - Friends Bishop’s approach to in bilateral engagement across works because states states by helping their states don’t grow and diplomat’ ‘different political system’ (i.e. diplomacy is peace, then the
and Neighbours: foreign policy, given in the Asia-Pacific region, chiefly prosper and get friendlier economies grow. Develop get resentful, and that ‘difference’ is a core goal of economic diplomacy is
Australia and the Sydney. A useful discursive because the region is of great (/more liberal, implicit resilient, bilateral tensions grow because constitutive element of China); prosperity.”; “Today China is
World reference on her optimistic, economic importance to perhaps?) when they relationships that aren’t they’re not effectively no reference at this point to a our largest trading partner and
but somewhat dualistic/ Australia engage with global dependent on fragile ‘managed’. (How ‘strategic partnership’ with China the relationship flourishes
bifurcated, approach to markets / when they’re international institutions economic diplomacy is – it’s all about trade still. An across a broad range of areas,
China able to better engage with meant to contribute to ‘economic miracle’, largely notwithstanding our different
global markets alleviating regional because it’s benefited from the political systems.”; “Through
tensions isn’t exactly (Western) global economic trade – through economic
made clear) system, and by willingly diplomacy, we have founded
engaging with that system (in a relationships with all the key
‘liberal/neoliberal’ manner…?) states of Asia”; “The ANZUS
alliance with the United States
A challenging partner to engage remains the bedrock of our
with – see quote ending with security.”;
‘possible’ to the right, and the “More recently, China which
reference to ‘managing’ China has been an unprecedented
being a ‘challenge’. Also economic miracle”; “Australia
reinforced with discussion of looks to develop, with China,
‘managing’ the China the strongest, broadest and
relationship… another way in most resilient relationship
which it’s framed as an ‘other’, possible.” [NB in this quote,
the idea that developing such a
6
type presented
both within but not ‘of’ the global relationship is going to be

economic system difficult – that’s what the
‘possible’ at the end refers to];
“How we manage the rise of
China, while taking account of
the interests of Japan, South
Korea and the United States,
will be one of most important
challenges and opportunities of
our time.”
17/3/14 Bishop Address to Speech An address focused on the Australia and China have a Already-strong economic Increase Chinese foreign None really presented; “a reliable trading partner A ‘cooperative’ partner; a “The relationship with China is
Australia-China diplomatic relationship stable, strong relationship relationship should grow investment in Australia, all very optimistic and an attractive investment neoliberalist success story. Also, exceedingly important; it is
Business Council between Australia and China already through mutual encourage the Chinese destination”; an open, export though, a state at risk of not utterly vital to this country, it is
Networking Day (from a principally investment, and be economy to liberalise orientated, market playing by the rules. An essential comprehensive, it is
economic standpoint) bolstered by stronger further, increase people-to- economy”; a state with “a investor in Australia – not constructive and it is a
people-to-people links people links very ambitious free trade couched as ‘threatening’. A long- cooperative relationship.”;
agenda”. Keen to bolster term diplomatic partner; “we fully support China's
people-to-people links with Australia has long diplomatic economic reforms. We fully
China; a friendly engager. roots in China, according to this support China's engagement in
Always ready and willing to speech. A state which sometimes the region and we fully support
‘talk out’ difficulties. has differing/implicitly ‘wrong’ its full participation in the
Optimistic. political ideas. (Lots of global, rules-based system”
interwoven ideas) [implication: we conditionally
support China, as long as it
plays by all these rules]; an
aside, because this appears
previously: “Just as the aim of
traditional diplomacy is peace,
the aim of economic diplomacy
is prosperity”; “Make no
mistake, Australia needs
foreign investment, our
economy has been built on it,
our economy relies upon it and
we look forward to further
opportunities for significant
Chinese investment in
Australia.”; following on from
that – “and we have a robust
framework in place for
transparency and accountability
but we also recognise that
Chinese investment is crucial,
essential for the continuing
growth of the Australian
economy” [NB this is a
markedly different tone to
Turnbull’s rhetoric from
December 2017 onwards];
“While we have access to the
policymakers and decision
makers in China on a regular
basis, it's the people-to-people
links that will give the ballast
to this relationship”
[referencing the New Colombo
Plan, but a relevant quote on its
own]; “the history of our
diplomacy goes back decades
and I find that that has been a
very important aspect to the
discussions I have with the
Chinese leadership and the
counterparts that I meet”; “Like
all relationships we don't agree
on everything. What's in
Australia's national interest is
not always in China's national
interest, what's in China's
national interest is not always
in our national interest, but the
important thing is we can talk
7
type presented
about it.”; “overall the

Australia-China relationship
could not be stronger, although
I still believe that the very best
days of our relationship lie
ahead”
19/3/14 Bishop Address to Tourism Speech Discussing the importance - - - - - - “China is our most valuable
and Transport of the tourism industry to tourism market which coincides
Forum Australia. Mentions the New brilliantly with its status as our
Colombo Plan largest two-way trading
partner”
25/3/2014 Abbott Address to the Asia Speech Speech to the Asia Society Friendly relations are driven by Trade is the cornerstone of Increase trade between Asia stops buying from Job-focused, trade-focused, A remarkable neoliberal success FOCUS ON TRADE: “This
Society, Canberra outlining the Abbott Govt’s trade. Also, Australia is already a friendly and productive Australia and Asia (by Australia – but also friendly. A story. Normatively tied to Society understands the
approach to Asia. NB: a ‘friend in Asia’. There’s no international relationship lifting red tape, mostly), in relationships liberalist mentor to China. Australia by its growing importance of trade to
directly precedes a number perception here that Australia is order to build friendlier deteriorate as a A willing partner in Asia; commitment to liberal improving the understanding
of international trips to in any way an outsider, or that relations between Australia consequence (an keen to engage (in a friendly political/economic norms between nations”; “goodwill”;
China, including the it needs to exert ‘normalising’ and Asia implicit to the and productive way). Keen “trifecta of trade”; “it’s likely
inaugural Australia Week in influence on Asia. ‘economic to ‘learn about Asia’, as that all six premiers will also
China.2 pragmatism’ that is embodied in references to participate [in the Australia
Also: that President Xi is said to define the New Colombo Plan Week in China]”; “the
transforming China into a more Australia-China transformation of China is a
politically liberal state as a relations) watershed in human history”;
consequence of transforming it “As liberalisation spreads
into a more market-driven from the economy into other
economy elements of Chinese life, I am
confident that Australia will
be a valued friend and
strategic partner”; “China’s
achievement mirrors Japan’s
and Korea’s, some decades
earlier – only on a larger scale.”
– connected to that: “I honour
the Japanese and Korean
people, not only for their
economic ach but for their
steadfast commitment to liberal
democratic values.”; “For
Australia, the tyranny of
distance has given way to the
advantage of proximity.”; “We
are not at the wrong end of the
world, but the right one”
27/3/14 Bishop Address to Speech Speech given in Zurich to - - - - A great destination for - -
Australian business European investors. This international business,
reception plays up Australia’s primarily because it’s
connections situated right in the hub of
(economic/business, Asia. Implicit: it’s a
implicitly diplomatic?) to Western, familiar outpost for
China, and how these make European businesses
it a great destination for situated in the hub of Asia
international businesses and (i.e. its westernness makes it
their HQs. Mentions FTA attractive?) – “for businesses
that are looking to invest in
the Asia Pacific, Australia
has great connections,
credentials and networks in
Asia.”
28/3/14 Bishop Address to Polish Speech A speech given in Poland Trade is the foundation of An impartial actor whose A great customer – whose ‘rise’ “The rise of China is the most
Institute of following Russia’s diplomatic success and peace. only security interest is has been almost unilaterally and significant strategic
International annexation of Crimea. defending the ‘international entirely beneficial to Australia realignment of our time”; but
Affairs: Current Bishop uses China as an rules-based order’. For then – “our prosperity over the
security challenges analogy of how states example, in quotes like: “we Its ‘prosperousness’ has made the past decade has greatly
– Australia’s sometimes often face have made clear Australia’s region more secure, according to benefited from China’s
perspective challenges when dealing desire for our territorial this speech… The quote to the industrialisation and
with other states (but only claimants to refrain from right is a fantastic summary of urbanisation.”; “China’s
very loosely) actions that could increase Bishop’s attitude towards growth has contributed to the
tensions and to clarify and diplomacy – expanded upon in growing prosperity of the
pursue claims in accordance ‘key quotes’ below. region. And where prosperity
with international law and grows, peace and stability
follow.” – BUT then: “But
2
Australian Trade Commission, “Australia Week in China,” accessed June 14, 2018, https://www.austrade.gov.au/Events/Ministerial-Led-Business-Missions/Previous/minister-for-trade-and-investments-visit-to-china.
8
type presented
an ASEAN inspired Code of Not overtly as a belligerent actor China’s rise, for all its benefits,
Conduct.” in the South China Sea, but as a is not without challenges”…
contributor to ‘tensions’ which references South China Sea…
create ‘challenges’ in the South
China Sea. NB the implicitness of
this… China isn’t at fault – the
only possible ‘actor’ who’s at
fault is the ‘rise’ of China. So it’s
implying that
‘tensions/challenges’ are kind of
natural and pre-extant, if
unfortunate
3/4/2014 Abbott Joint Press Press statement The crash and subsequent The search is a moment of - - - - Implicit; friendly, warm and “we owe it to the people and
Statement with Mr search for MH370, and the profound international helpful. Also, has an equal stake government of China … to do
Najib Razak, Prime international cooperation cooperation/overcoming in the crash, given many of its everything we can to solve this
Minister of involved in its search differences etc nationals are also missing extraordinary mystery”
Malaysia
7/4/14 Abbott Address to the Speech A trip to Japan with a The intent of this trip is to boost More trade = more Strengthen trade relations Countries grow “Open for business”; Respect and admiration (re “The best response to those
Japan Chamber of ‘senior trade delegation’. both trade relations and friendship; strong trade and cement/discursively economically stronger friendly, and keen on China’s rise from its ‘century of who fear that North Asia is
Commerce and Coincides with the launch of goodwill, because the two are relationship reveal ‘shared establish ‘friendship’ without trade, which building friendly humiliation’); an ‘other’ to the doomed to a cold peace or
Industry, Tokyo the ‘New Colombo Plan’, mutually complementary values’ between Japan and Aus leads to less trust, relationships. Also, US and Aus (see the remark worse is that more trade means
which happened later that which leads to more ‘conscious of its own about ‘quite different systems’) more understanding and more
month in Tokyo. Part of a (military) conflict. This history’ – still an allusion to understanding means less
larger and longer trip around is kind of implicit, but Australian ‘strength’. But Also NB the ‘generosity’ of the tension”
North Asia definitely reaffirms the mostly a big focus on how US in electing to engage with “The countries of the Asia-
connection between friendly Australia is non-democratic Asian states Pacific will advance together or
It’s important to note that friendship and trade we won’t advance at all”
this was a speech given in “common humanity”
Japan, to a Japanese “It is, in fact, the permanent
audience. Limited interest of every country to
substantive references to have more friends and fewer
China foes”
“The world is looking to our
region to drive global
prosperity”
“free trade or economic
partnership agreement”
“More trade will make both
countries richer and our
relationship even stronger”
“More trade means more
friends”
“Trade builds trust”
“shared values” [revealed by
trade]
“Trade between Japan, China
and Korea … should ultimately
help mutual understanding as
hundreds of thousands of
businesses and tens of millions
of people appreciate how much
they need each other in order to
succeed”
“For Australia, the tyranny of
distance has given way to the
advantage of proximity”
“I am here in North Asia
early in the term of a new
government to boost trade,
certainly; but, above all, to
build friendships … that’s
why, as well as business
leaders, my delegation includes
cultural and educational leaders
too”
“Australia has much to offer the
world; but much to learn as
well, especially from Asia”
9/4/14 Bishop Further engagement Media release Issued in advance of - - - - Willing to engage, and a Open to Australian engagement. “Further deepening and
with China Bishop’s trip to China from friendly partner. NB use of broadening Australia’s bilateral
‘bilateral’ interests. economic, political and
9
type presented
9-10 April for the Bo’ao strategic interests will be the

Forum key focus of my visit to China
on 9 and 10 April.”; “I will also
join Prime Minister Tony
Abbott in the annual leaders’
meeting with Chinese Premier
Li Keqiang. The leaders’
meeting is a central pillar in the
bilateral relationship, providing
strategic guidance for our
engagement across the
economic, political, social and
cultural sectors.”
10/4/2014 Abbott Address to Boao Speech Given at a forum in China This applies to some of the Australia and China have Strengthen economic None really An economic help to the Reverence (again) for China’s “The rise from the ashes of war
Forum for Asia near the conclusion of above too, but worth noting shared interests upon relations to strengthen region: “I am proud that ‘rise from the ashes’ to economic to economic leadership … by
Abbott’s trade-focused here: China is becoming more which they can build a friendships Australian coal, iron ore, gas leadership – again, through China – most spectacularly of
relationship-building trip holistically liberal, which stronger economic and services exports have neoliberalism; “This is the all – has been a transformation
around Asia. Also briefly might give it cause to look to relationship and a stronger helped to drive [China’s] greatest and the quickest advance unparalleled in human history”;
references MH370 at the end Australia for ‘mentorship’. friendship prosperity” in human welfare of all time. It’s “After all, Australia is the
The ‘premise’ here is that - Side note: this happened because governments number one global exporter of
China is becoming more discourse about have allowed individuals and coal, iron ore and beef”;
holistically liberal, but the point Australia having this families to take more control of “Australia is strong enough to
is that if Abbott thinks that unique capacity to their own futures” –liberalist be a valuable partner, but not
Australia and China have help the region discourse. a dominant one”; “Team
‘shared values’ upon which through its natural For example: “China, after all, Australia is here in China to
they can build a friendship, resources probably has taken to heart Deng help build the Asian Century.”;
those values are liberal values drives Abbott’s Xiaoping’s advice that “to get “Australia is not in China to
obsession with rich is glorious””… do a deal, but to be a friend”
keeping Australia’s
coal industry alive…
Basically, an economic
powerhouse as well as a
liberalist mentor. But also:
friendly because it can’t
dominate its neighbours in
zero-sum power games… its
lack of global influence is
treated as an asset?
11/4/2014 Abbott Address to Speech Broadly the same as above. As above, though fewer explicit Australia and China have Strengthen trade and International disputes Willing – and almost Close to Australia because the MH370 key quote: “You [the
Australia Week in References to MH370 at the references to liberalism. shared interests and values friendship at the same time towards countries in desperate! – to cement two countries have a shared Chinese people] will be among
China Lunch, start, not the end, this time. Broader references to shared through trade – and sign the Australia- the Asian region lead closer engagement with history sorrowing friends should you
Shanghai, China values through trade China FTA towards the to outbreaks of war, China: “It’s more than we - Here’s a second way choose to come to Australia.”;
end of the year “this would be have ever done with any Abbott crafts cultural [big quote] “Almost a million
unthinkable” other country”. Also, a key commonalities in his Australians now have Chinese
export partner for China, speeches: not just through ancestry and Mandarin is
again focusing on natural shared liberal norms, but Australia’s biggest minority
resources. Willing to learn / through shared histories. language. Australia’s
understand Asian culture NB some of the speeches relationship with China is
above referenced the different from that with the
ALSO: very much willing to Chinese diaspora in United States, the United
receive investment from Australia, which I haven’t Kingdom or even Japan – yet
Chinese state-owned focused on much, but also it is of incalculable importance.
enterprises plays into this logic It has deeper roots than most
Also close to Australia people think.” [NB ‘even
BECAUSE OF CHINESE Japan’; he’s homogenising Asia
INVESTMENT – contrast to a fair bit there]; “Few are aware
more recent rhetoric that total Chinese investment in
Australia, at about $60 billion,
China is still framed as different, is only a little less than total
politically and socially, to Chinese investment in the
Australia. But the two states have United States.
found common norms in their Far more than trade,
mutual need/desire for trade. See investment in another
the reference to a ‘very different country is a sign of trust.”;
legal and political system’ “Australia’s investment of
about $40 billion in China,
Limited references towards with a very different legal and
defence: Australia wants to political system, is much more
engage with China in joint than just a bet on the world’s
defence exercises; ‘an antidote to coming economic superpower
strategic pessimism’ It’s proof of our trust in
China.”; “That’s why
10
type presented
Australia has never rejected

any investment application
from a Chinese SOE and
recently approved a large SOE
investment in critical
infrastructure.”; “More trade
means better friendships.”;
“The New Colombo Plan is our
way to honour the cultures of
Asia.”
11/4/14 Bishop AsiaLink Speech Japan-focused. References - - - - - - “the new Government in
conversations: Key MH17 Australia is unmistakably
note address focusing our foreign policy
'Friends and assets on our region – our
neighbours: friends and neighbours”. Not
Australia, Japan and really with reference to China
ASEAN' Hiroshima though
29/4/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Basically just a short ‘governments have to live “Economic growth is the - - - - -
Sydney Institute manifesto within their means’, is one… means to a stronger society
and a happier people”
29/4/14 Bishop A new paradigm in Speech On development; advocating - - - - - A neoliberal success story “Economic growth, driven by
development the role of free the private sector and supported
assistance – trade/development policy by trade liberalisation, has been
harnessing the aimed at developing free the key to reducing poverty on
private sector trade etc in lifting states out a large scale. The opening of
of poverty. See brief China’s economy to the world
reference to China has been the most dramatic
achievement”
1/5/14 Bishop Address to In the Speech Examining the specific role All foreign investment is - - - A global state with local A great customer and a great -
Zone panel WA can play in Australian worthwhile interests: “our geography is investor. Again, frames foreign
discussion foreign affairs, and in our destiny” investment as a universally good
Australia’s view on the thing
world economy. Mentions
forthcoming China FTA,
and high levels of Chinese
investment in WA mining
projects
5/5/14 Bishop Appointment to the Media release Announces the appointment - - - - Supportive of ‘bilateral - Two vaguely useful quotes:
Australia-China of Ms Vicki Thompson as a cultural engagement’ and “Ms Thomson joins the Council
Council Board member of the Australia- ‘mutual understanding’ as it embarks on a new strategy
China Council board. She between Australia and to increase student and
mostly worked in academia China. professional mobility between
before this appointment… Australia and China, support
which makes sense, given Discourse isn’t friendly, but the Government’s economic
the New Colombo Plan – it certainly isn’t at all hostile diplomacy agenda and promote
which is implicitly bilateral cultural
referenced. engagement.”; “The Australia-
China Council Board was
established in 1978 to promote
mutual understanding and
foster relations between the two
countries.”
16/5/14 Bishop Australia China Speech A speech given to open this “Australia and China are ‘Friendly’ relations are “Australians must become None really (certainly A friendly, ‘relationship- A justifiably successful and “as China continues its
Relations Institute institute at UTS - important working more closely than ever vitally important across more Asia-literate – more no mention of the focused’ state: “I see powerful state; a state that’s spectacular economic rise it’s
to note that there were before”; “[the] relationship is in Asia, particularly people- China-literate – and seek South China Sea, for relationships as being at the currently a ‘force for good’, but only right that it should take its
apparently a large number of good shape and I have no doubt to-people links. Australia better understand the many instance – maybe an heart of Australia’s foreign that’s kind of untested (hence, it place as a regional and global
Chinese businesspeople in it will continue to thrive” is already doing this quite and diverse countries of implicit suggestion that policy. In fact I see my role needs ‘encouraging’ to remain a power”; “A prosperous China,
the audience. Mostly well our region”. The New if China doesn’t abide as Foreign Minister as ‘responsible force for good’…); a fully engaged in the region is
advertises the New Colombo Colombo Plan helps by the ‘rules-based Australia’s relationship ‘friend’, but perhaps not a not only good for China, it is
Plan ensure this success international order’, manager”. (this plays very particularly strong one – Bishop good for Australia and good for
Australia won’t want much into Qin’s theoretical appears to be trying to construct the world. Australia embraces
NB ChAFTA is also to be ‘friends’ with it? discourse!) China as a friend to the China’s rise.”; “As China’s
mentioned Australians, to a Chinese economy grows we recognise
Fully supportive of an audience… that it will have a larger
economically powerful military capability and a greater
China, as long as it meets A good customer, one that’s say in regional and global
the conditions of a ‘rules- ‘inextricable’ from Australia – affairs and we encourage
based international order’… NB crafting a discourse of co- China to remain a positive
dependence force for good. For with
A moral mentor. There’s growing power comes
some lecturing to China responsibility and we
11
type presented
about ‘encouraging it to be a A state that’s taking positive encourage China to play a

force for good’, as if it steps towards further neoliberal significant role as a
hasn’t already set up its own reform. Reflects / perhaps, is the responsible security partner
course in the world source of Bishop’s optimism and a stakeholder, both in the
about the future relationship region, and around the world”;
A material benefactor to between China and Australia “As a friend, we urge China to
China: “Australia has played work constructively and
its part in the rise of China cooperatively to resolve
[through selling China tensions [in the region]”. – one
minerals, mostly]” interesting thing here is the
immediate counterpointing of
‘Team Australia’, which is MH370 following this
‘open for business’ statement, illustrating how
Australia and China can work
cooperatively; “[the]
opportunities presented by the
implementation of the further
economic reforms announced at
the Third Plenum late last year
… are not only a sign of the
Chinese leadership’s
commitment to reform, but
they have the capacity to
underpin China’s growth in the
years ahead, and, in turn,
provide further opportunities
for Australia”; “China and
Australia are partners and while
our relationship is
underpinned by economics, it
is not defined by it”; “In the
years ahead, it is my hope that
our relationship will become
closer and deeper. That
through education, the arts,
sports, politics and other
cultural ties the people of our
two great nations will build
even closer bonds of
friendship. That Australia and
China will be partners in peace
in the region in the decades
ahead.”
16/5/14 Bishop Address to New Speech A speech given to Australian Education is a part of a good - - - A top-quality education - “It occurred to me that we had a
Colombo Plan students and university diplomacy strategy destination, whose growing diplomatic issue, that
launch, University representatives to launch the universities have generated Australia was prepared to
of Sydney first iteration of the NCP. significant goodwill accept students from our
amongst regional universities in the region but we
This was the ‘pilot program’ neighbours. really didn’t make enough
for the NCP – China had effort to ensure that students,
signed up for 2015, but no A good ‘global citizen’: when they chose to study
students were going in 2014 “We are a country with overseas, went to the region”;
global interests but this is “Whenever I travel through the
where we live, this is where region I’m struck by the
we have the greatest number of Presidents, Vice
influence, this is where we Presidents, Cabinet Ministers,
can make the biggest business leaders who say to me
difference” – ‘I was a Colombo Plan
scholar’. There is so much
goodwill around that name in
our region”
20/5/14 Bishop C20 Summit Speech Given at the University of - - - - - An ‘economic miracle’ and “Global trade helps drive
keynote address – Melbourne successful neoliberal case study economic growth. China is the
Working with civil case study. China’s inclusion in
society on the G20 the global trading system has
agenda underpinned its spectacular
economic rise which has seen
hundreds of millions of people
lifted out of poverty.”
12
type presented
26/5/14 Bishop 20th anniversary Speech Given to a domestic - - - - - An ‘economic miracle’ and -
dinner Menzies audience of politicians and successful neoliberal case study
Research Centre businesspeople. Celebrating (of ‘economic growth’)
the anniversary of the
Menzies Research Centre
Mentions NCP and

‘economic miracle’ rhetoric
– in the context of the ‘right
way’ to do aid development
30/5/14 Bishop Australia in Speech At a conference convened “Australia has an independent China’s future direction as
Full quote: “the Chinese Full quote: “We could An independent, self- ‘one of the world’s great “China is one of the world’s
China's century – by The Australian and the foreign policy, captive to no an international actor is dream as articulated by see a China that sufficient, capable state civilisations’; but also “the great civilisations. Its economy
address given at a Wall Street Journal. one, which we use to further uncertain President Xi Jinping with a struggles to deal with largest market in the world”. has been the largest in the
conference on our own national interest” Chinese economy that is its major internal and Two good quotes supporting world for 18 of the past 20
‘Australia in Important: this speech paints Also, the current status quo Also: fully integrated into the external challenges … this: Importantly: unique! What’s centuries. In reality, China’s
China’s Century’ two scenarios of how China rules-based international order “China’s rise does not world economy; a territorial disputes “we can’t fall into a trap of interesting here is that Bishop rise is simply a return to the
could look. These are is best international order. mean the eclipse of the Chinese economy that is and historical allowing others to dictate the frames the futures of Japan, historical status quo.”;
outlined in the ‘goals’ and Alternative interpretation as United States.” consumer driven and enmities leading to questions that we need to Indonesia etc. as predictable, but “China’s rise is unique. We
‘alternatives’ column here. discussed in ‘consistent focused on innovation … a deteriorating resolve” – not quite sure China as unpredictable – there’s have no precedent to draw
But the fact that she does keywords’ below: ‘this is the Also: “We need to broaden China that is much more confidence in regional what this refers to, though a point about unpredictability upon. In the vast sweep of
this is interesting – it’s the only international order that can and deepen and diversify concerned about its image security and China’s Also: “Improving our somewhere above, but it’s an history, we have not seen the
first strong allusion to possibly be, while still being our relationship with in the world and focused intentions … Chinese relationship with one nation interesting point… likes of the rise of China. We
Bishop having actual, functional’ China”. on its soft power, nationalism used as a need not, indeed should not, have never witnessed the
legitimate concerns about engaged in building card by the Chinese come at the detriment of Two options for how China emergence of a civilizational
how China might behave Also, Australia already has a regional and global Government to deflect another” might grow into the future – power in such a compressed
into the future… decent relationship with China: alliances … and a China growing internal peaceful, or ‘increased tensions period of time.”; continuing on
“The relatively recent that values a global rules- challenges … a China ESSENTIAL: Australia sees and regional instability’. Outlined from that – “In recent history,
commitment to formalise an based system” preferring unilateral its role in contributing to to the left. Point is that this we have never seen the rise of a
annual leaders’ dialogue with measures, ignoring China’s ‘peaceful’ rise reinforces her portrayal of China power that had a value system
China is testament to the This is a ‘goal’ because the benefits of through economic diplomacy as ‘unpredictable’… so different to that of the
increasing trust between our Bishop thinks Australia contributing to a i.e. through fostering a West’s, an open market
nations.” has some capacity to help global system of friendly relationship through A good diplomatic partner with oriented economy within a
operationalise this rules; a deteriorating better trade relations whom Australia does sometimes central command, socialist
outcome United States-China disagree. political structure. We have not
relationship witnessed the rapid expansion
underpinned by mutual of a military force with
suspicions and advanced capabilities that may
characterised by contest the maritime regional
increasing tensions; supremacy of the United
conflict” States.” [alluding to the
political irreconcilabilities of
More notes on this China’s political system and
dichotomy in the ‘other liberalist ideologies, but not
notes’ section below really addressing them…]
Also NB: assumption

that China will
inevitably ‘pay a price’
if it flouts the ‘rules-
based international
order’.
30/5/14 Bishop Crawford Speech Also given to a domestic - - - - A neutral observer in the A great customer, and an “To our great fortune, China
Australian audience, but a broader South China Sea conflicts, ‘economic miracle’ began its rapid economic
Leadership Forum: comment on the state of but with strong ‘vested expansion from the 1990s,
Keynote dinner Australia’s role in Asia interests’ in making sure effectively accelerating, when
address they don’t escalate. Seems a Japan’s growth rates were
Does mention South China bit contradictory slowing.”; “Today, China,
Sea in addition to ‘economic Russia and 158 other countries
miracle’ are members of the World
Trade Organisation because
they know that it is absolutely
in their national interest to be
actively engaged in global trade
liberalisation and facilitation”
9/6/2014 Abbott Address to Official Speech In the context of a state visit Canada and Australia are - - - Very Anglospheric - “We [Britain, Canada and
Dinner, Ottawa, to Canada – following an naturally bound together by discourse. Also, plenty on Australia] are separate
Canada address by then-Canadian language and history, which defence cooperation, and the countries but we are family
PM Stephen Harper. Plenty makes them well-suited to ‘naturalness’ of Australia and that story magnificently
on defence cooperation in engaging in trade and security and Canada engaging in illustrates the strength of those
this speech cooperation joint defence exercises family ties that bind.”
10/6/2014 Abbott Address to the Speech As the title says. Most of Again with ‘trade = friendship’. America shouldn’t be Encourage global America becomes ‘open for business’ etc As a ‘customer’ – very “The rise of China has been
American this talks about America, but Also: America is still the afraid of China economic engagement poorer because it circumspect. ‘Friendliness’ of good for the wider world
13
type presented
Australian see how Abbott presents world’s strongest and most with China. Conclude doesn’t economically discourse when actually engaging because there are now so many
Association China to America – quotes important state Australia’s FTA with engage with China. with China is less evident in this more people to afford to buy
Business Luncheon, speak for themselves here China Also, the world is speech – but it’s still broadly what the rest of the world
New York worse off because positive. (i.e. no mention of produces. A rich China means
America pulls out of China as a ‘threat’ or ‘risk’) doesn’t mean a billion
engaging with Asia competitors so much as a
billion customers.”
12/6/14 Abbott Address to the Speech As above, mostly Relations with Asia (and Australia is successfully As above, but also cement The relationship As a ‘unifier’/a ‘bridge’ As a rising neoliberal state… “But the Chinese and the
United States China) are already ‘smooth’ balancing friendly friendly relations between between America and between traditionally hostile with a solidly democratic, Japanese were a little awkward
Chamber of and friendly. See quotes relations with the U.S. and China and America, to as China deteriorates, Asian states. See quotes. socially-liberal future standing close to each other –
Commerce, China… ANZUS remains great an extent as possible leading to conflict, Also, as a ‘friend’ to China so, to secure the picture, I
Washington crucial to Australia’s which is in nobody’s and Asia already placed myself between them
interests, but won’t interest with my arms on the sho the
obstruct relations with Japanese and Chinese officers.
China. When my colleague Joe
Hockey delivered the recent
Also, ‘China has become budget, the ambassadors of
more like America, and China, the United States and
therefore more successful’ Japan sat next to each other
on the floor of the Australian
parliament.
I wish I could say that our
relations with the countries of
Asia had always been so
smooth.”; “Through all this,
we’ve managed to be both a
good friend to China and the
strongest possible ally of the
United States.”; “China has
become the world’s second
largest economy by becoming
more like America, not less
like it, in cultivating business
success.”; “One day, China
will liberalise more than its
economy because people who
are free to get rich will apply
that creativity to other aspects
of their lives.” – also, in terms
of ANZUS: “America will
never have a more
dependable friend...than
Australia.”
13/6/14 Abbott Address to the Asia Speech Advocating Australia’s - Relationship between - - In Anglospheric terms. The - “Few nations understand each
Society Texas qualities as an American Australia and US is whole tone of this piece is other so deeply or so well as the
Centre, Houston ally, and an economic fundamental and natural – vastly more genial and United States and Australia.
partner. Focuses in large see quotes, and: “There are friendly than anything that We are more than allies.
part on Australia’s natural no countries with a Abbott said while in Asia We’re family.”
resources, again – a theme stronger community of
of Abbott’s prime- interest and values.”
ministership.
18/6/14 Bishop US-Australia: the Speech Given to US delegates The United States will continue - That China becomes a - - An increasingly engaged partner “Importantly, Australia and the
alliance in an to be a predominant world solid, contributing, well- in defence with both Australia United States are continuing to
emerging Asia - power for the foreseeable future behaved member of the and the US… But also still an develop defence engagement
Canberra ‘rules-based international uncertain, risky ‘friend’ with China”; “We envisage a
Conference order’ region where China’s
development as a prosperous
nation is welcomed and where
China is actively and
constructively engaged as a
significant power in regional
and global affairs”. This is also
relevant: “I am dismayed by the
amount of commentary that
equates Asia’s rise with
America’s decline because I
think such thinking fails to take
into account the depth of the
United States engagement with
Asia. And history shows there
is room in the global order for
14
type presented
more than one centre of

power.”
24/6/14 Abbott Address at CEDA's Speech Another manifesto-type - - “We need to boost the - - - -
2014 State of the speech. Focused at a three “Ps”- population,
Nation Conference, domestic audience productivity and
Parliament House, participation”
Canberra
28/6/14 Abbott Address to the 57th Speech Self-explanatory - - - - - As a customer – again. Only talks -
Liberal Party about FTA
Federal Council,
Melbourne
3/7/14 Abbott Address to the 2014 Speech Another economically- - - - - - As above – FTA -
Economic and focused manifesto
Social Outlook
Conference Dinner
8/7/14 Abbott Address to Speech Given to welcome Japanese Japan is playing a greater role - - - - As above, though also mentions “Our objective [within the
Parliament, House PM Shinzo Abe to as a ‘strategic partner’ in the China’s cooperation in RimPac region] is engagement”
of Representatives, Parliament House. A Asian region naval exercises. Which is
Parliament House number of references to interesting in itself given China’s
WWII (why?), but otherwise South China Sea aggression3
very friendly
8/7/14 Abbott Joint Statement with Media Release Summary of agreements - - - - - More of a threat – references are “They opposed any unilateral
Prime Minister Abe reached on Japan’s PM only to the South China Sea. See attempt to alter the status quo in
- Special strategic Abe’s visit to Australia. quotes. This has hardly come up the East and South China Seas
partnership for the Only one reference to before by the use of force or coercion.
21st century China… Emphasising the need for
disputes and issues settled by
peaceful means, they called on
all parties concerned to refrain
from actions that could increase
tensions, to clarify and pursue
claims in accordance with inter
law, including the United
Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea, and for ASEAN and
China to reach early agreement
on an effective Code of
Conduct in the South China
Sea”
12/7/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory - - - - - Also only talks about FTA -
Liberal National
Party State
Convention,
Brisbane
17/7/14 Abbott Address to the G20 Speech Another manifesto about The G20 is chiefly an economic ‘More trade = more jobs = - - As a massive, enthusiastic Only in reference to FTA, again -
Summit, Sydney Australia’s economic policy forum more friendliness = more proponent of free trade
peace’
8/8/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Again an economically- - - - - ‘open for business’ As a customer – references to -
Australian Industry focused manifesto-type FTA
Group inaugural Sir thing. Note the very large
William Tyree number of economics-
Address, Sydney focused speeches – points to
a whole-of-government
agenda
18/8/14 Bishop Address to Speech Given to a domestic - - - - - A partner beyond trade and “Likewise with China, now our
Economic audience – most content has economics. See full quote – this largest two-way trading partner.
Diplomacy Policy been covered in preceding stresses the idea that international We have elevated the
Launch - Australia’s speeches engagement can’t just be about relationship to a strategic
economic trade, and necessarily has to be partnership with annual leaders'
diplomacy: our ‘friendly’… and high-level ministerial
prosperity, global meetings. Our defence co-
prosperity This alludes to part of what operation now extends to
makes ‘economic diplomacy’ trilateral military exercises
interesting – it can’t just be about with the United States. China
economics! Trade begets has signed up for our New
friendship begets trade Colombo Plan to enable
Australian undergraduates to
3
“Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet,” accessed June 14, 2018, http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/2014/.
15
type presented
Also as an ‘economic miracle’ live, study and work in China to

become more China-literate”
Also: “Economic diplomacy is

an overarching principle that
puts strong economic
outcomes at the centre of our
foreign, trade, investment,
tourism and development
assistance policies.”
21/8/14 Abbott Sir John Downer Speech Theme for this lecture: Australia has a long history of Australia has played a key Encourage American There is regional A distinctly Western, ‘good As a customer. See quote: “I have “We’re big enough to be useful
Oration, University “don’t underestimate successful military and role in upholding the leadership – because it’s in conflict, which global citizen’; a country travelled to China to boost but not so big that we’re
of Adelaide, Australia”. It’s a foreign- diplomatic intervention / rightness of the Western- the interests of the world damages everyone with the capacity to bring trade”… intimidating”;
Adelaide policy-focused speech, one behaviour dominated ‘world order’ other countries together (see “We will do what we
that aims to illustrate what the quote, which was also reasonably and prudently can to
Abbott thinks Australia’s used earlier, about bringing encourage American
place in the modern world is Chinese and Japanese leadership because that’s
diplomats together) provided the global security
and stability that’s allowed
Japan, Korea, China and India
to achieve the greatest and
swiftest advances in material
welfare in human history”; “I
have travelled … to China (to
boost trade)”
30/8/14 Abbott Address to the 2014 Speech A political ‘pep rally’ – little - - - - - China as customer – mentions the -
Nationals Federal direct relevance FTA
Council, Canberra
4/9/14 Bishop China-Australia Media release Announcing the ‘Australia- - - To “broaden and deepen - - “Australia’s largest trading -
dialogue with China Foreign and Strategic our ties across the full partner and an increasingly
Foreign Minister Dialogue’ with China’s spectrum of our common important source of investment”
Wang Yi foreign minister, Wang Yi. interests” [i.e. with China] – NB: framing Chinese foreign
NB that this is a security- investment as universally good
focused dialogue, but there’s
nothing tetchy about the
language used here – very
neutral
5/9/14 Abbott Address to Indian Speech Summarising the events India’s strengthening People-to-people links Stronger economic Conflict between A robust economy with A trusted and long-term “two way trade between
Chambers of (and hopes) from a trade democracy has come at the will boost international relationship between Asian nations (again). much diversity to offer: economic partner Australia and China is already
Commerce Lunch, mission to India same time as its strengthening economic links Australia and India ‘We shall advance “That’s why I’m so pleased running at $150 billion a year.
New Delhi, India economy and free market/free together or none of us to have with me a CEOs A reason for that is that
trade approach. Loosening red shall advance at all’ delegation from resources, Australia has spent three
tape has made India richer finance, logistics, decades promoting trade with
education, culture and China while only recently re-
sport.” discovering India’s economic
potential”; with relation to
India: “The vital step is for
more and more of our senior
people to spend more time in
each other’s company”
7/9/14 Bishop Australia-China Media release A saccharine media release - - - - - - “[the awards will] highlight the
Achievement announcing awards for leadership of Australian
Awards privately-led engagement community members in
with China expanding Australia’s
relationship with China” –
interesting emphasis on the
private sector, which is in
keeping with the rest of this
govt’s policy on China
17/9/14 Bishop Address to Papua Speech Speech to ‘friends of - - - - A generous but principled A neoliberal success story -
New Guinea Australia and PNG’ – in and sensible aid partner
Association of Australia, I gather
Australia
Symposium Dinner No new substantive
discourse on China, but does
refer to ‘economic
diplomacy’ with relation to
PNG (using China as an
example again)
25/9/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Address to the UNGA – Free trade is good (again) - - - - An economic miracle powered by -
United Nations tacit theme: ‘even small neoliberalism (again)
16
type presented
General Assembly, countries have a place in

United Nations, world affairs’
New York
1/10/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory Free trade is good - - - - - -
Australian Food and
Grocery Council
Industry Leader’s
Forum, Parliament
House, Canberra
28/10/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Another economic manifesto Free trade is good - - - - - -
Business Council of – nothing new on China
Australia Annual
Dinner, Sydney
29/10/14 Abbott Address to Prime Speech Nothing substantive on - - - - - - -
Minister's Prizes for China – just a mention of
Science Dinner, extending the ‘Australia-
Parliament Hous China Science and Research
Fund’.4
6/11/14 Bishop Visit to China for Media release Self-explanatory media - - - - - - “The meeting will serve as a
APEC Ministerial release. Representativeness useful opportunity to discuss
Meeting only goes as far as the our respective domestic and
relatively cold tone… international approaches to
climate change, and bilateral
cooperation.” – just notice the
‘coolness’, or neutral-ness, of
the tone – no references to
‘friends’ or ‘friendliness’
9/11/14 Bishop Address to opening Speech Given to open a consulate- “Australia and China share a The relationship between Increase opportunities for None presented A business-focused, An ‘opportunity’ for Australian “During the course of our
of Australian general in China – so to a broad, strategic, economic, Australia and China is Australian businesses to pragmatic trading partner. business. A cooperative discussions [between Bishop
Consulate-General, largely Chinese audience: comprehensive relationship.” “deep and strong” trade throughout China NB: NOT a ‘moral leader’ economic partner, with friendly and other Chinese ministers]
Chengdu, China ‘friends of Australia, friends or a ‘lecturer’. Cooperative individuals helping the two-way we have observed how strong
of China’ and friendly relationship and deep and diversified the
Perhaps because of the has become.”; “The extent of
different format or audience, our partnership is evidenced by
this is much more ‘gushing’ the fact that Australia now has
than the preceding media very strong relations with a
release number of provinces,
particularly with Sichuan
Province.’ – NB the focus on
provinces at a federal level,
too…; “As with any dynamic
and vital relationship it’s far
more than just trade, commerce
and investment. There are
increasing ties in education,
science fields, tourism and
cultural exchange.”; “The
strength of our relationship will
be underpinned by the people-
to-people links.”
17/11/14 Abbott Address to Speech Welcoming President Xi to Chinese and Australian people Australia and China have Building on these mutual None really, it’s very A kickass economic partner, A ‘friend’, again; particularly “It is a joy to have friends come
Parliament, House Parliament, and share aspirations to the same powerful mutual interests interests by strengthening rosy but also a close ‘friend’ to praising President Xi and his from afar”; “No Chinese
of Representatives, summarising some of the types of liberalist norms (see ‘friendship’ with China China, one which can be knowledge of the country; president has ever known more
Parliament House outcomes of his trip to quote on the right). Economic into the future (implicit, trusted (and which trusts ‘complementary’ to Australia – about Australia than President
Australia development is great for China but for example: ‘a China) not quite sharing the same moral Xi.”; “Just as the friendships
relationship starts with codes, but the two states are able between our cities and states
trade but it rarely ends to get along fine regardless (see have flourished, our national
there’) extended notes in ‘key quotes’ friendship and cooperation has
section)… grown and prospered.”; “So we
acknowledge Prime Minister
Whitlam, and all the leaders of
our countries who have put
aside ideology to see
Australians and Chinese as
people with common interests
and shared aspirations to a
better life”; “Yes, Australia and
4
“Australia-China Science and Research Fund (ACSRF),” accessed June 14, 2018, http://www.science.gov.au/international/CollaborativeOpportunities/ACSRF/Pages/default.aspx.
17
type presented
China have different systems of

government; one is a young
country, and the other an
ancient one being renewed; but
we have become a model of
how peoples and two
countries can complement
each other”; “we trade with
people when we need them; but
we invest with people when
we trust them.
A relationship might begin with
commerce but it rarely ends
there, once trust has been
established as I believe it has
between Australia and
China.”;
“Trade and investment has
made China wealthy”
17/11/14 Abbott Joint Press Press statement Outlines all the Speech is rather mundane, - - - A ‘reliable partner’ to China A ‘democratising’, ‘ethical’ “it is [also] a historical day for
Statement with achievements and because it’s mostly just country, particularly praising Xi; China with some of the
President Xi, agreements made with announcing achievements, but an incredibly good ‘friend’ to statements that the President
Canberra relation to the newly-signed if there’s a premise, it’s that Australia. chosen to make to the
China-Australia FTA. free trade is good Australian Parliament about the
Interesting to note that Xi’s democratisation of China and
NB this FTA was the first speech, following Abbott’s, is the fundamentally ethical
China concluded with any much more circumspect in tone approach that China intends to
‘major economy’. So it (although the content is still take with its partners, with the
really is a big deal positive) neighbours in its region and in
the wider world”; “[the FTA is]
ALSO: Xi announces it, but a reflection on both our
this is where Australia and countries' ability to be reliable
China officially upgrade partners”; “truly, no Chinese
their relationship to leader has ever been anything
‘comprehensive strategic like such a good friend to
partnership’ (from ‘strategic Australia and we are so
partnership’) honoured to have you here in
our country.”
17/11/14 Abbott Address to Speech An absolutely glowing note Shared history and values = Australia and China are - - A respectful, kind and Extremely positive – quotes make “It is an honour to be here in
Parliamentary of thanks from Abbott to friendship, and more trade better friends than ever affectionate nation and this self-evident. the Great Hall of the Parliament
Dinner for China for signing the FTA, before people welcoming what is perhaps
President Xi, but also makes lots of Much of this appears to have the most splendid and
Parliament House, references to Xi’s speech in been influenced by the speech Xi glittering gathering ever to
Canberra the Australian parliament, gave in the Australian Parliament meet in this building.”; “It is
where he promised China earlier that day – for example: “I said that when friends meet, a
would become ‘fully have never heard a Chinese thousand cups of wine cannot
democratic’ within 50 years leader declare that his country contain their happiness.”; “[the
will be fully democratic by 2050. foundation of the new FTA] is
I have never heard a Chinese respect and affection based on
leader commit so explicitly to a our experience of the Chinese
rule-based international order people who have made their
founded on the principle that we home here in Australia”; “But
should all treat others as we today’s Australia has a deeper
would be treat ourselves.” – engagement with China than
which he refers to as an “historic ever before – in education, in
statement which I hope will echo the arts and in
right around the world”. entrepreneurship”; “Australia
and China are crossing the
river together” [referring to a
metaphor]; one big long quote
that I’m including in the ‘key
quotes’ bit but not here,
because it’s all important
17/11/14 Bishop Australia-China Media release Another rather dry/blunt ‘Australia’s climate change Australia’s chairing of Focus particularly on - Australia is absolutely It’s not, really – the point isn’t “The MOU is an important
MOU on Climate media release – but expertise is valued in China’ climate change meetings increasing the efficiency of willing to ‘constructively that China is represented as a signal of Australia’s
Change interesting how Australia is etc has resulted in these coal in order to reduce engage’ with other states on laggard, but that Australia is constructive climate change
Cooperation framed as a climate change MOUs, which serve emissions. The MOUs also things like climate change – represented as a leader. Which engagement with the world’s
leader throughout, ‘leading’ Australian interests provide for Australian in other words, it’s a good necessarily implies a less biggest emitter and our number
China towards signing this assistance in helping China global citizen because it ‘intelligent’ or ‘active’ China, but one trading partner.”;
MOU? track its emissions cooperates with other states. the discourse doesn’t focus on “Australia’s climate change
Also - as above, a useful and China’s capacities – it’s just expertise is valued in China.”;
helpful technological partner independently a bit patronising
18
type presented
NB all this ‘we can help

other states with our
expertise’ discourse fits very
neatly into Bishop’s
‘economic diplomacy’
model… the economic
diplomacy offering is a
service – ‘expertise’
18/11/14 Abbott Address to Speech Address celebrating Indian Democracy is the only As the ‘world’s largest - - - Not a democracy. See quote “With China, India is the
Parliament, House PM Modi’s arrival in legitimate mode of political democracy’, India is a emerging superpower of Asia –
of Representatives, Australia organisation particularly ideal type of the emerging superpower that is
Parliament House trading partner already a democracy”
18/11/14 Abbott Joint Press Press statement Joint press statement with - - - - - - -
Statement with Modi talking about the
Prime Minister achievements of his visit.
Modi, Canberra Nothing of note on China,
other than an FTA thing
18/11/14 Bishop Australia-China Media release Self-explanatory – she takes - - - - - - “The Awards showcase the
Achievement on a friendly and leadership and creativity of
Awards - winners congratulory tone, which is Australian organisations and
and finalists of course appropriate people in building stronger
announced economic, cultural and
NB that Bishop has made no education connections between
mention of the ChAFTA in Australia and China” – not very
this or the past few notable, just the fact that she
preceding speeches - mentions culture (but the
interesting in an ‘economic context makes it necessary);
diplomacy’ context… “The nominations reflect the
breadth, diversity and strength
of Australia-China ties”
26/11/14 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory – another - - - - - - -
Australian Chamber economic manifesto. Only
of Commerce and references China with
Industry Annual relation to the FTA
Dinner
2/12/14 Bishop Address to 40 Years Speech This does mention the FTA. Australia is a naturally Aid must facilitate Increase economic growth - A helpful (and generous) aid A great market, a neoliberal “In China hundreds of millions
of Australian Aid But only briefly. Not generous aid donor economic growth partner. NB: the discourse of success story. Also, a formerly of people have been lifted out
exhibition focused at all on China, but ‘generosity’ also contributes poor, 3rd world state. Australia is of poverty through the rising
(Canberra) talking about the history of to the discourse of represented as China’s ‘saviour’ tide of economic growth and in
Australian aid, which is ‘superiority’ mentioned a or ‘benefactor’ (to a limited each instance Australian aid has
appropriate couple of rows above extent, at least)… contributed to the success” (not
just referring to China);
anecdote – “Panel 5 on the right
– a small landowner, Yuan Bao
Liu, holding his prize ram on
his farm in Yunnan Province in
China - it was Australian aid
that helped improve the pasture
and grazing programs, and
through this, Yuan Bao Liu
doubled his income within a
year”
2/12/14 Bishop Address to New Speech Self-explanatory – - - - - - - -
Colombo Plan interesting in that there is no
Scholarship dinner substantive mention of
China…
4/12/14 Bishop Address to Speech Self-explanatory. No - - - - - - “[NCP is] our flagship foreign
Australia-Indonesia substantive reference to policy initiative” [i.e. public
Business Council China diplomacy is always front and
centre in Australia’s diplomacy
– but the context is that 600
students were sent to Indonesia,
which is many, considering
there were 500 to China (which
was the next-most popular
destination)…
23/1/15 Bishop Address to Speech Delivered in New York - a - - - - A good, diverse and reliable - -
Australian Outlook big pitch to American market
luncheon businesses.
19
type presented
Mentions China FTA, but

that’s about all…
2/2/15 Abbott Address to the Speech Another ‘mission statement’ - - - - - A slowing economic partner / -
National Press Club for the Abbott govt. Follows customer. Abbott expresses a
of Australia, some domestic political concern about the lower-than-
Canberra drama, so the tone in this expected (and much lower than
speech is a little more average) rate of economic growth
nervous and desperate. A China saw in the last economic
domestically-focused quarter. Otherwise, he still
speech, though, and doesn’t mentions the FTA
really reference China in
diplomatic terms
2/2/15 Bishop Address to New Speech What’s really important All foreign investment is - - - - A friend, and a dependable “I specifically acknowledge Dr
Colombo Plan about this is the glowing awesome partner. There are no allusions to Chau Chak Wing, a significant
students references to Chau Chak security risks or political threats benefactor whose generosity
Wing, who’s the same has made possible the addition
figure LNP MP Andrew of this remarkable building to
Hastie recently accused of the University of Technology
improper political conduct Sydney, to the City of Sydney,
in Parliament.5 Speech is to Australia and to the world.”;
actually given to open a new “Dr Chau’s investment in
building which Dr Wing Australia exemplifies the
funded – so that’s a far cry diversity of our relationship
from the whole furore over with China. It is broader,
academic influence etc deeper and closer than ever
today before”; “this kind of an
investment from an Australian-
A glowing and happy Chinese benefactor show what
endorsement of the comfort possibilities lie ahead as we
and success of the Australia- diversify our relationship even
China relationship – and the further.”; “I thank Dr Chau for
‘trust’ Australia claims to his incredible generosity.”
put in China…
27/2/15 Abbott Address to Speech Relatively self-explanatory. - - - - - - -

Australia-New Just talking up Australia-
Zealand leadership New Zealand economic
forum, Auckland, relations. No substantive
New Zealand reference to China other
than the FTA, and a quote
from Xi (the ‘walk far, walk
together’ one)
5/3/15 Abbott Parliamentary Parliamentary Self-explanatory – he thanks - - - - - At a stretch, a cooperative -
Statement - Statement everyone who helped out in international citizen – but it’s a
Anniversary of the (/speech) the search, and talks up how vague reference
disappearance of it was an ‘extraordinary
Malaysia Airlines example of international
Flight MH370 cooperation’ again. Mention
of China is limited to that
thankfulness
23/3/15 Bishop Condolence motion Speech Nothing substantive on - - - - - - -
– Malcolm Fraser China, self-explanatory
Note how all the speeches

referencing China are
starting to get way more
spaced out / infrequent…?
25/3/15 Bishop Address to Australia Speech Launches the ACBC’s - All FDI is universally - - An innovative, ambitious A great customer. A great “just as importantly [the ACBC
China Business report on trade with China. good. (This becomes a and successful trade partner. investment partner. Concern promotes] the people-to-people
Council Networking NB the second quote on the claim not a premise now, ‘Innovative’ because there about there being a Chinese links which enhance the
Day far-right: the implication is because of the direct focus are some references late in economic downturn, however… friendship and understanding
that the Aus-China it gets in this speech) the piece to how Australia between our two nations.”;
relationship has never been has ‘creatively’ engaged “The achievements – both
this strong before with Chinese businesses politically and economically –
in the bilateral relationship
References FTA, and last year were indeed
references the NCP, and the remarkable. We had
business community’s unparalleled contact at
support for it leaders-level.”; “we can’t
5
political reporter Caitlyn Gribbin, “ASIO Boss Says Hastie’s Allegations Have Had No Impact on Intelligence Allies,” Text, ABC News, May 24, 2018, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-24/andrew-hastie-senate-estimates/9797718.
20
type presented
pretend there aren’t challenges.

In 2014, China’s economy
experienced its slowest growth
since 1990, reflecting what
Chinese leaders are calling the
‘new normal’.”; “The New
Colombo Plan is just one way
in which business is helping
forge Australia’s contemporary
relationship with China.”;
“Chinese direct investment in
Australia is creating
employment, jobs for
Australians, it is expanding
opportunities for cooperation in
sectors such as agriculture and
real estate and new
opportunities are emerging to
maximise Australia’s
comparative advantages in
high- end manufacturing and
services”
13/4/15 Bishop The Indo-Pacific Speech A speech to an Indian - - - - - - “We each want a constructive,
Oration audience – substantive mutually advantageous
reference to China is relationship with China.” – just
limited. References the FTA NB the circumspection of that
and alludes to China as an tone
‘economic miracle’, but
nothing really new
15/4/15 Abbott Address to Speech Self-explanatory. Just - - - - - - -
Australian Chamber mentions FTAs
of Commerce and
Industry luncheon,
Sydney
4/5/15 Bishop Address to In the Speech References FTA. She talks a - - - - - An ‘economic miracle’ (actual -
Zone Conference lot about ageing populations word is ‘unprecedented’)
in a domestic context, but
there’s not a lot of
substantive characterisation
worth analysing here
8/5/15 Bishop Address to Speech Given to a Thai audience (in - - - - - A ‘challenge’ – see quote “Demographic shifts in major
Australia-Thai Bangkok). This is economies like China, Japan,
Chamber of interesting, because it seems India and Indonesia are having
Commerce Business to focus more on an increasing influence on
Breakfast ‘challenges’ than previous economic development, and
speeches… doesn’t say providing challenges – plenty
much about China, but what of them – as well as
it does say characterises opportunities. Most often, we
China distinctly as a hear about China’s emergence
‘challenge’. – and given China’s size and
References NCP and FTA scale, it is inevitable that the
seismic shift we have seen, and
are seeing in China’s economic
and strategic weight, is creating
global ripples.”
3/6/15 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory. - - - - - An ‘economic miracle’, and a “The economic miracles of
Annual Minerals Pragmatically economically- crucial customer (of iron ore, coal Japan, Korea and, above all, of
Industry focused –this type of speech and gas) China have relied on Australian
Parliamentary seems to be where Abbott is coal, Australian iron ore and
Dinner, Parliament in his element Australian natural gas.”
House
20/6/15 Abbott Address to New Speech Self-explanatory. For - - - - - - -
South Wales Liberal context, it’s worth noting
Party State Council, that the Australia-China
Sydney FTA was actually officially
signed earlier that week (on
the Wednesday – not sure
what day this speech was
given though). FTA
21
type presented
reference is the only

mention of China
27/6/15 Abbott Address to the 58th Speech Self-explanatory – only - - - - - - -
Federal Council of China mention is of FTA
the Liberal Party of
Australia,
Melbourne
29/6/15 Abbott Address to the 35th Speech A summary of the state of Free trade is the cornerstone of The world needs small Singapore and Australia ‘Unilateral moves to A ‘defender of the region’. Both good and bad! Abbott “Australians of my parents’
Singapore Lecture, affairs between Australia good relations (again) powers to be both ought to build closer change the status quo’: Abbott invokes a fair bit of mentions the South China Sea in generation were haunted by
Singapore and Singapore – so economically and economic ties into the near there’s more direct military history to express angst for the first real time here – Singapore’s fall; Australians of
naturally, China comes up. defensively well-equipped future, such that they worrying about the Australia’s commitment to but he doesn’t describe China as my generation, and younger,
Coincides with the signing become as close as results of conflict here the Asia-Pacific a threat. It’s perhaps as if he’s should be galvanized by its
of a Comprehensive Australia and New scolding a child; ‘you ought to rise”; [on Singapore,] “We have
Strategic Partnership with Zealand. Since they have know better than to do something invested many tens of billions
China – “The so many shared interests so foolish’ of dollars in each other – a sure
Comprehensive Strategic and norms, it’s important Then he immediately pivots to sign of our mutual trust and
Partnership signed this that they band together in praising their work on the AIIB, respect”; “we have much in
morning with Prime order to defend, and which Australia has resolved to common [with Singapore] – the
Minister Lee will produce a advocate, these interests in join at this point English language, the rule of
whole new level of intimacy the region law, a high and rising standard
over the next decade” NB the “Australia does not take of living, and support for the
sides on competing territorial US-backed global order wh
claims; we deplore unilateral made the world’s comparative
moves to change the status quo” freedom and prosperity
Suggests Abbott doesn’t want to possible.”; [the rise of Chinese
upset China into the middle-class] “is the
- he just would prefer if they greatest, fastest change for the
behaved in a manner Australia better of all time”; this whole
approved of. Similarly: “All our quote: “Land reclamation on a
regional architecture – including massive scale not only unsettles
APEC, the ASEAN Regional the mutual respect upon which
Forum, and the ASEAN Defence our prosperity depends but
Ministers’ Meeting – is designed threatens one of the world’s
to defuse regional tensions”. - most complex and beautiful
stressing the point that Abbott systems.
just wants peace and stability These actions have strained
some of the relationships that
China has otherwise worked
hard to cultivate.
On the other hand, China’s
readiness to work with other
countries on the Asia
Infrastructure Investment
Bank has meant the
emergence of a new Chinese-
led international institution
with better governance.”
11/7/15 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory – only - - - - - - -
Liberal National China mention is of FTA
Party State Council,
Brisbane
30/7/15 Abbott Address to the 2015 Speech Same as the previous one of Economic growth is the most The Australia-China FTA Increase free trade (and, Free trade agreements ‘Open for business’ – but As a customer, and as a willing “The FTA with China will
Boao Financial these speeches, above. It’s important consideration for any is “an agreement that is more directly, sign the are discarded because also, culturally neutral, customer. There are allusions to change Australia for the better,
Services Forum, focused entirely on government fundamentally fair, giving TPP) of ‘xenophobic which is mostly implicit the ‘trust’ relationships described it will change China for the
Sydney economics / Australia’s our nations unprecedented politics’ This, Abbott above, but nothing explicit better and it will change our
economy / FTAs access to each other's claims, would be region and our world for the
markets” catastrophic for the better.”; “These free trade
region agreements are too important
for our country; they’re too
important for our businesses
and too important for our
children to be sacrificed at
the altar of term xenophobic
politics.” [which is a
fascinating quote in the context
of current discourse on China]
7/8/15 Bishop Address to Institute Speech Given in Malaysia - largely - - - - A neutral partner, but one Implicitly, ‘concerning’ – “Australia’s interest in a
of Strategic and about ASEAN determined to uphold the because it’s the only state peaceful and stable South
International ‘international rules-based conducting land reclamation in China Sea is clear”; “Land
Studies order’ (implied) the SCS, and Australia is reclamation and construction
22
type presented
Note the large gap between forcefully concerned about land by China and other claimants
Bishop’s speeches A neutral partner, as long as reclamation raises tensions. Australia has
referencing China – from international disputes are consistently called for a
May-August 2015 resolved multilaterally. NB repeated use of the word moratorium on land
Bishop describes Australia ‘tensions’ reclamation by all claimant
This speech also focuses on as a totally neutral partner, states. We publicly raise our
the South China Sea – it’s but the implication here is concerns regarding construction
the first speech to genuinely obvious: “Australia does not work and the prospect of
do so. Doesn’t place blame take a position on competing militarisation of any artificial
on China, but China’s the territorial claims in the islands or structures in the
only one doing land South China Sea” BUT we South China Sea.”; “[we want
reclamation, so implicitly want things to be resolved to] promote a stable and
apportions blame to China peacefully, ideally by peaceful South China Sea,
for rising tensions committee including through encouraging
claimants to take steps to
Shift in discursive tone is reduce tensions”
interesting - there’s nothing
about the benefits of the
in this speech. Timing or
audience?
15/8/15 Abbott Address to the Speech Self-explanatory – only - - - - “an exemplary international - -
South Australian China mention is of FTA citizen”
Liberal Party AGM,
Adelaide
15/8/15 Abbott Address to the 70th Speech Discusses the lasting peace - - - - - - -
Anniversary of between China and Japan
Victory in the
Pacific Dinner
5/9/15 Abbott Address to Speech The relevant parts are a big - - - Under a Labor govt, - A willing, good customer – “we will fight just as hard for
Tasmanian State defence of the China FTA. the FTA is scrapped, certainly nothing suggesting it’s the China Free Trade
[Liberal?] Council, No strong characterisation and Australia is insidious or dangerous Agreement as we fought to stop
Hobart of China as anything other incapable of making the carbon tax” – also, on the
than a great customer the most of the ‘Asian FTA: “The Labor Premier of
Century’ South Australia says it's a
very good deal for Australia”
12/9/15 Abbott Address to the Speech As in the previous speech – - - - As above - - -
Nationals Federal defending the FTA
Council, Hotel
Realm, Canberra
15/9/15 Abbott Press Statement - Speech Abbott’s farewell speech. - - - - - Only interesting thing here is -
Prime Minister's He mentions the China FTA how the FTA towers over the
Courtyard, as one of his big South China Sea as a relevant
Parliament House achievements, and mentions issue. Again, overall, China is a
the South China Sea as a customer, not a combatant or
future challenge rival nation-state
Abbott deposed – Turnbull government begins: 15/9/15

9/10/15 Bishop Address to the Asia Speech Given in the US (San Economic growth underpins the See ‘topic’. Also: ‘we can Grow aid collaboration - A benevolent ‘global An economic miracle “We have a shared interest
Foundation Francisco). Discusses the fortunes of both Asia and the [the US and AU] make a between the US and Aus, citizen’ in the Asia-Pacific [with the US] in supporting
TPP as a ‘breakthrough’ US/Aus genuine difference to the focusing on ‘innovation’ primarily acting through economic development in our
agreement and the US and lives of people around the involving private pragmatic economic growth- region” [i.e. still a key aim]
Australia as ‘enthusiastic world’ through pragmatic, enterprise focused foreign and
partners’ on it. Argues for sensible and sustainable development policy
‘innovation’ in aid delivery aid delivery (that enables
i.e. involving more private economic growth)
enterprise/businesses in
promoting aid which enables
economic growth (similar to
Abbott-era discourse on aid)
14/10/15 Bishop Address to Centre Speech Gives insight into Julie The global economy will One of a number of States must adapt to this Global democracy A great proponent of the A state with an unfortunately “For seventy years, the most
for Strategic and Bishop’s view on the world, continue to grow, and the US claims, but maybe the new global order – doesn’t continue to US-centric international sub-par political system; the fact powerful nation on Earth has
International fewer specifics about China. will continue to remain at the most relevant: “By the Australia and the US can spread across the order that it’s undemocratic is carried the unique distinction,
Studies, centre of it. Generally an middle of this century this ‘guide the changes that are globe, which threatens unilaterally a bad thing for a superpower, of seeing its
Washington There’s definitely an optimistic view of the future of will have brought about coming’, to promote the primacy of the US- Thankful for this order, and own national interest as lying
acknowledgement that “it is international affairs fundamental changes in ‘transformation and centric international also having been able to use A ‘nuanced’ international actor - in the promotion of public
clear that power is moving the relationship between consolidation’ order, which threatens it for ‘good’ through Smart, strategic, and pragmatic… goods and the development of
east, to the Indo-Pacific”… The unacknowledged the state and its citizens”, global peace… international institutions see these quotes: “Russia’s a peaceful, rules-based global
‘rightness’ of the US-centric where states have less Promote a form of the annexation of territory, military order, where states voluntarily
‘global order’ is very long- control over what their existing global order which incursions and support for limit the exercise of their power
23
type presented
Foreign policy should be standing, preceding the end of citizens do and how they ‘accommodates’ China - NB this is the first hint Willing to make pragmatic separatist movements has flouted for the common good.” [i.e.
underpinned by states’ the Cold War. “The current define themselves. “the even if China would prefer of a discourse of compromises on China… the principle of state sovereignty. US-centric, liberalist global
values – see ‘representation global order has intrinsic value global order … has to to reshape the global order ‘China isn’t a China’s behaviour has been order is the only global order in
of Australia’ column to the that we should actively seek to adapt” more in its own image… democracy therefore it A state with the capacity to more nuanced. It has sought to history that has worked towards
right preserve and promote as Preservation of the status- can’t lead the world’ influence how China does make a space for itself in the ‘common good’];
beneficial to the international (NB this is predicated on quo, existing ‘global order’ governance… see this quote international system that is “Unfortunately, we aren’t
Generally suggests a community” states uniformly becoming is key Australia and the US on AIIB: “Little noticed, but commensurate with its economic seeing a widespread move
rhetorical shift from Abbott- more democratic, which don’t adopt foreign of enormous significance, and strategic weight.” – an towards liberal democracy
era discourse, towards doesn’t really account for policies predicated on was the undertaking, given acknowledgement that China is across the globe … For
‘values’ the relative success of a changing, shifting by the Chinese to the acting in a totally unprecedented example, China has continued
China’s one-party system) world order, and are Americans during President way for even a major power to follow its own path of a
left behind when that Xi’s visit, to incorporate state… regulated market economy
The current ‘global order’ world order does begin the sorts of governance under a one party system”;
has worked well for to shift noticeably principles which have A state with immense disruptive “The economic rise of Asia is
Australia, because it has emerged through years of capacity, which is implicitly being followed by its increasing
granted it influence as a work – trial and error – in threatening to the existing global strategic importance, military
middle power institutions like the Asian order: “China is seeking a greater might and, to varying degrees,
Development Bank and role in many existing forums and, soft power.”; “We have to
The World Bank. As where it finds them accept [China] will not be a
Australia approached unaccommodating, it now has power in our own image, and
membership of the AIIB we the influence and economic heft focus on cooperation where we
worked very hard to see to create new arrangements.” – do see convergence – like
this trend emerge in BUT this has both good and bad market liberalism and
Chinese policy.” consequences… regional stability, through
forums such as APEC and the
Proponent of a values-based A ‘rogue’, disruptive, and slightly East Asia Summit – so the
foreign policy… “While we scary / security risk state with global order can
cannot expect the global relation to the South China Sea. accommodate China’s
order will perpetuate our weight.”
values, we should be But also, a good global citizen
confident in them and through the AIIB, which Bishop
continue to pursue a has plenty of praise for! So
foreign policy that is ‘nuanced’ because it’s
underpinned by them.” complicated; more difficult to
interpret the actions of a country
when you don’t totally read them
in black and white terms (‘good’
and ‘bad’)
19/10/15 Bishop Australian Institute Speech Discusses a) China’s The existing, US-centric global Australia must pursue a Continue to commit to A holder of great “more than a middle An economic miracle “Increasingly, China and
of International potential good contribution rules-based order works well foreign policy that is both ‘economic diplomacy’ - parochial interests in power”, with a powerful India’s economic growth is
Affairs National to the world and b) how its for Australia, giving it actual ‘regional’ and ‘global’ Which involves finding the SCS, because – voice in international affairs A state with a potentially underwriting the modernisation
Conference difference makes it a risk substantive influence around common economic ground from an economic uncertain/volatile future as its and growth of their militaries
and a potential danger. This the world with China perspective – a lot of Again, the primacy of a economy transitions from … About two-thirds of
dichotomous discourse on its trade passes through commitment to a ‘rules- production to consumption: Australia’s trade passes
China is a continuation of “Australia’s foreign policy there based order’: “Australia has “China’s economy is through the disputed
the previous speech should be pragmatic” – an overwhelming interest in transitioning from an export-led maritime zone of the South
vague statement; I don’t contributing to a global model to one increasingly being China Sea. Clearly, rising
What implications does this think it’s entirely order that is peaceful and driven by domestic consumption tensions between rival
have for cultural diplomacy? reasonable to conflate this stable – a consistent, rules- and services - this is likely to be a claimants in the South or
The uncompromising with ‘unfriendly’, but it’s based world order that challenging and potentially indeed the East China Seas
emphasis on ‘values’ the same word many operates in a way that allows painful process.” – firstly, could have major implications
certainly problematises it, people use to describe its us to support our values, our painful for whom? Secondly, if for the region and for
but Bishop recommits to China policy, and it does interests.” painful for China, this adds to its Australia.”; “Australia has an
‘economic diplomacy’ in imply ‘cold’… potential unpredictability and overwhelming interest in
this speech… riskiness as a regional actor ensuring that China’s presence
(unpredictability is born from the on the global stage is
acknowledged fact that it’s accommodated in a way that
followed a totally unprecedented contributes to its own, as well
development path) as regional and global stability.
That’s why we are keen to
A growing military power – partner with China in areas of
potentially not in Australia’s convergence, such as
interests, particularly with addressing the infrastructure
reference to SCS challenge in our region … the
Asian Infrastructure Investment
A state with the potential to be a Bank can potentially make a
great, useful global citizen, in an valuable contribution to global
economic/development assistance prosperity. Already China has
context, as long as it abides by embraced a number of
globally accepted normative rules principles that reflect the
about how international rules and standards
developed by trial and error
24
type presented
institutions and states should in the existing global financial

behave institutions.
However we need to clearly
understand that China – and a
number of other emerging
powers – will not be powers
in our own image. This does
not mean we should abandon
the system that has served us so
well in the past, or compromise
our values and our principles.
We must stand firm and
uphold what we know is
right.”
22/10/15 Bishop Ambassador to Media release Announcing Ms Jan Adams - - - - - - -
China as the new ambassador to
China.
Stresses economic
cooperation with China;
mentions ChAFTA. Limited
substantive reference, but
primacy of economic
relationship is worth noting.
It does also reference
‘people-to-people’ relations,
but mostly in the context of
education, implying links to
the NCP (without
mentioning it directly)
8/11/15 Bishop Australia, China Media release This is the result of a - - - - A cooperative and Nothing substantive -
and PNG Working collaboration project innovative state, willing to
Together to Tackle mentioned multiple times in work with states with whom
Malaria Bishop’s discourse during it might not normally work
the Abbott era. Nothing in order to advance the
really framing China; gives common good
Australia a disproportionate
amount of credit for the
project’s success
12/11/15 Bishop Address to Speech Given in Sydney. Economy - - - - - A customer, whose slowing -
American Chamber focused; limited reference to economy presents some issues for
of Commerce in China Australia. (A customer who’d
Australia been taken for granted…?)
27/11/15 Bishop Australia-China Media release Announcing this dialogue is - The relationship is going - - Willing to take advantage of - “The Dialogue comes at a time
High Level taking place. Delivers on an really well right now, as existing connections and of enormous achievement in the
Dialogue election commitment to indicated by the success of private enterprise to help relationship – following the
enable this dialogue ChAFTA further/shape the conclusion of the historic
relationship. (Relevant to China‐Australia Free Trade
Brings together contribution by AFC?) Agreement.”; “
“representatives from As the Australian Government
government, business, is working to strengthen our
academic institutions, think relationship with China we
tanks, the media and the recognise the best ideas and the
arts” to examine the most energetic action will
relationship in a holistic come from the many
manner stakeholders already
investing in the bilateral
relationship.”
30/11/15 Bishop New Colombo Plan Speech Doesn’t substantively - - - - - - -
presentation dinner reference China at all, but
Bishop is still hugely keen
on the NCP. Appears to
homogenises Asia…
3/12/15 Bishop 2015 Valedictory Speech Sums up the year in foreign - - - - - - “In 2015, our economic
Speech – Parliament affairs. Interesting that diplomacy initiatives made
House China only gets a mention some unprecedented gains. We
once, in the context of secured some very significant
ChAFTA – which is framed wins on the economic front: our
as an outcome of economic Minister for Trade and
diplomacy. Abbott framed Investment finalised a free
ChAFTA as primarily an
25
type presented
outcome in its own right, so trade agreement with our

perhaps its relevance is biggest trading partner, China”
diminished somewhat?
Although, nothing else done

with China is mentioned –
an example of ‘pragmatic’
discourse in action?
22/1/16 Bishop Address to 100 Speech Given in New York. - - - - - A long-standing crucial market “the big focus now on what is
Women in Hedge Finance-focused, but also for everyone, the state of whose happening in China. China is
Funds makes reference to the South economy is going to affect transitioning to a more
China Sea (SCS) as international relations by sustainable economic model
potentially financially affecting economic relations and that is having a significant
disruptive around the globe. impact … I think the impact of
Also a disruptive actor in the SCS China’s slowing growth on
Interesting to note here how other economies. About 120
the ‘risks’ posed by China’s countries around the world
slowing economy are now identified China as their largest
consistently taking a front two-way trading partner. So the
seat over the ‘benefits’ transition in China, and how
posed by Chinese economic that impacts on other
growth… economies is obviously a
matter of great focus for us this
year”
26/1/16 Bishop Mapping Asia’s Speech Discusses Bishop’s - - Keep the region peaceful - “a reliable partner in Asia.” An increasingly powerful “To understand Asia today, we
Trajectory: An understanding of how Asia’s by accelerating economic (she justifies this military threat (implicit; not need to have an understanding
Australian past affects its present growth: “Economic immediately by referencing couched in ‘threat’ terms, but of its past. The region is no
Perspective - integration is a powerful Australia’s support for increasing military size is the key stranger to periods of intense
Mentions ChAFTA buffer against conflict.” Indonesian independence focus of this speech). But at the conflict, political unrest and
Address to United Also, increase regional from the Dutch – which is a same time, she points out that it’s strategic instability.” [goes on
States Studies dialogue to avoid conflict: tenuous historical link) still militarily weaker than the US to references wars happening in
Centre and Centre “While some relationships (1/3rd of US defence spending in the 13th century, along with the
for a New are still shaped by their A long-standing military 2014) and a larger military isn’t Sino-Japanese War in
American Security historical context, and are ‘partner’, or at least always a bad thing – “Capable WWII…]; “Together with
a long way from being militarily cooperative with, militaries can add to regional rising territorial tensions,
solved, there have been China stability, with countries better particularly in the South China
positive developments” able to manage security Sea, has led to speculation that
Big on ‘soft power’, in the challenges, reducing the need or we are witnessing an arms
traditional sense – points out compulsion for external race taking place in Asia.” [she
Australia’s traditionally high intervention.” goes on to rebuff this, but the
score in ‘soft power’ fact she mentioned it at all is
rankings. An inflammatory actor in the interesting…]; “for many years
SCS our bilateral defence
“the world’s lifestyle engagement with China has
superpower.”… included strategic dialogue,
practical cooperation activities
and exercises, and personnel
training” [i.e. military links]
9/2/16 Bishop Australia commits Media release The International Energy - - - - A good ‘global citizen’ by - -
funding for IEA Agency is a multilateral offering funding for this
China Centre organisation, so this doesn’t centre. (Not, specifically, a
really shed any light on good partner to China)
Australia’s bilateral
relationship with, or
impression of, China
14/2/16 Bishop Foreign Minister's Media release Announcing that this visit - - - - A ‘practical’/’pragmatic’ Not as strong/friendly a partner “In China, I will co-chair the
visit to Japan and will take place (from 15-19 foreign policy actor as Japan Annual Foreign and Strategic
China February). Note there’s Dialogue with Foreign Minister
more text on Japan than on Wang Yi.
China. Also talks briefly The Dialogue reflects our
about ‘launching’ the NCP comprehensive strategic
in China partnership with China and is
an opportunity to discuss
bilateral, regional and global
issues of mutual concern, and
take practical steps to
strengthen our relationship.
16/2/16 Bishop Address to National Speech Given in Japan – Primacy of the existing rules- “it remains an enduring “We … believe greater Implied: China Ready to play a constructive Of benefit to Australia as long as “The United States will remain
Press Club, Japan immediately refers to based order again fact that Australia’s engagement between behaves ‘poorly’ and role working with China, on it stays in its place; that place is no less vital to regional stability
Japanese attendees as interests and those of our Japan, China, and Korea overwhelms the areas of mutual benefit, as 1) less strategically important and prosperity in the decades to
‘friends’. See comparative friends and allies are best will increase regional existing regional order, long as China ‘stays in its than that of the US and 2) come.
strong hostility towards served by a strategic order stability” – a key goal place’ (paraphrased) principally as a strong driver of
26
type presented
China, in the context of: ‘we in our region which ‘coercing’ other states economic growth, i.e. a big In this environment, Australia
welcome the reemergence of favours free societies, to behave as it wishes consumer/market also welcomes the emergence,
China under strict open economies, and a or re-emergence, of China as a
conditions’ fundamental respect for Unpredictable – not guaranteed, driver of economic growth and
the rule of law.” by any means, to act to preserve prosperity.” – i.e. Australia
Some quotes seem like regional stability (noting, ‘welcomes the reemergence of
they’re directed at China – however, that it’s intended to do China very conditionally! (both
see far right column so, but the phrasing suggests in the context of the US
Australia doesn’t trust that it remaining a dominant power,
will…) and in the context of it
remaining a driver of economic
growth…); “China should act
in a way that contributes to
regional and global stability.
This is China’s declared
intention, and we therefore
expect that China’s actions will
be calibrated to achieve that
outcome.”; “While we take no
position on competing claims in
the South China Sea,
Australia’s commitment to
freedom of navigation and
overflight consistent with
international law is
unshakeable. So too is our
conviction that disputes must
be resolved peacefully, in
accordance with international
law, without coercion or
intimidation.”
17/2/16 Bishop New Colombo Plan Speech Given to a Chinese China and Australia get on very The NCP, as a “signature Encourage as many None presented – this A state whose people have a Not only a great economic “I have had a very productive
Speech – Beijing, audience, on the New well, and are friendly enough foreign policy initiative of universities and private is a very positive deep and growing ‘interest’ partner/customer/market, but a day here in Beijing. I have had
China Colombo Plan (NCP). that an activity like the NCP is the Australian organisations etc in China speech in China (not ‘affection for’, reliable and growing defence a number of meetings with
Absolute transformation in about ‘building on an already government, with support to become involved with but ‘interest’). “Not partner; “There is also our counterpart ministers and I’m
tone on China to the speech very strong relationship’ at the highest levels of our the NCP surprisingly, China has comprehensive strategic pleased to say that the
given in Japan the day (paraphrased) government”, has genuine proven to be the most partnership with China, which relationship between
before… and substantial diplomatic popular destination and 500 means that we work together to Australia and China has
value in building Australian students have resolve some of the strategic never been deeper, stronger
The sincerity of this relationships with Asian studied and worked in China challenges, not only in our region or closer than it is today.”;
discourse is compromised in neighbours including in 2015, and this year it will but globally … Our defence “Prime Minister Malcolm
the context of Bishop China double. By the end of 2016 cooperation is expanding with Turnbull will be visiting China
scolding China’s strategic we believe that around 2000 joint defence military exercises” in April and this will be an
ambitions and lauding a US- Australian students will opportunity for him to
centric world order the have been New Colombo An enormous number of showcase the areas of even
previous day Plan students in China” ‘common and mutual interests’ deeper cooperation - in
with Australia innovation, science and
research, and across a broad
Cooperative with the NCP, and range of areas where our two
very helpful in getting it off the economies, our two nations,
ground (i.e. the Central have common and mutual
Government has been very interests.”
helpful); “The reason we have
been able to establish the New
Colombo Plan and achieve so
much in such a short time has
been as a result of extraordinary
partnerships with the host
governments and the Australian
Government. In this instance I’d
like to thank the Chinese
Ministry of Education for being
so accommodating, so
understanding and so
embracing of our New Colombo
Plan concept’
2/3/16 Bishop Address to Speech Follows the third ‘Foreign Trade is at the heart of Australia “can still Diversify its export - A state excited about the A good market and an economic [with reference to the ‘Foreign
Australia China and Strategic Dialogue’ with Australia’s relationship with complement China’s offerings, to focus more increasing potential for ever- partner, with economic concerns and Strategic Dialogue:]
Business Council the Chinese foreign minister, China needs”, even in its heavily on services, as part more economic engagement in common with Australia “Whilst there was a focus on
transitioning economy of its extant ‘economic with China the issues in the South China
27
type presented
(Parliament Wang Yi, which happened a diplomacy’ foreign policy Sea, issues on the Korean
House, Canberra) few days before this speech strategy Peninsula, a considerable
amount of our time was spent
References ChAFTA. Also Also, bolster this through discussing the trade and
mentions NCP, and its the Australia Week in investment and economic ties
opportunities from a China, which is largely between Australia and China,
business perspective about enabling business as both our economies are in
networking… described as transition periods”; “As China
“the underpinning of our transitions from export
bilateral relationship for orientation to domestic
decades to come” consumption and investment
and services, Australia is able
to provide high quality,
timely delivery of services.”;
“There’s another area where
Australia and China are of a
similar mindset and that is in
the area of innovation”
4/4/16 Bishop International Wool Speech Self-explanatory speech; - - - - - A great market and an ever- -
Textile reference to China just talks growing export opportunity,
Organisation (briefly) about its economic particularly for ‘fancy’ Australian
Congress potential products
6/4/16 Bishop Launch of the Asian Speech No substantive reference to - - - - - - “Sport is a key aspect of
Sports Partnerships China, but this is a good Australia's people to people
Program example of the relevance of links with nations in our region,
‘sports diplomacy’ to and it can be a bridge across
Australia’s foreign policy divides - national, cultural,
agenda… ethnic, language, political. In
fact, within the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade we
have initiatives that we
implement under the banner of
‘sports diplomacy’”
13/4/16 Bishop Address to LNG 18 Speech With reference to China, - - - - - - -
Conference - mostly just lauding
Thought Leadership ChAFTA and the
Lunch - Fuelling opportunities it presents
Australia's LNG industry. Also mentions the
Development NCP as an essential part of
relationship-building which
promotes ‘trust’
relationships and makes
China more accessible,
mostly through its internship
programs…
6/5/16 Bishop Australia-China Media release The person who’s appointed - - - - - - “The Australia-China Council
Council Board is interesting – she used to stands to benefit from Ms
appointment be Director-General of the Schwirtlich’s leadership in
National Library of fostering closer cultural
Australia, during which time engagement between
she fostered closer cultural Australia and China,
engagement with China… including as a member of the
Australia-China High-Level
Dialogue in 2014 and 2015.”
12/7/16 Bishop Australia supports Media release Released in response to an There is tension in the region, ‘This isn’t about - - A neutral party, but chiefly a Press release is very neutral. But “The Australian Government
peaceful dispute arbitration done under which no parties ideally want sovereignty, it’s an defender of the rules-based the implication is that it has the calls on the Philippines and
resolution in the UNCLOS on a dispute independent decision by international order greater capacity to complain China to abide by the ruling,
South China Sea between the Philippines and an international actor with about the ruling which is final and binding on
China in the SCS. globally recognised both parties.”; “All claimant
Interesting that it doesn’t legitimacy’ states have benefited
even note what the ruling is enormously from the rules-
– an attempt at neutrality, based international order.
trying to be as reserved and Adherence to international law
cautious as possible? is the foundation for peace,
stability and prosperity in East
China had never accepted Asia, as it has for many years.”
the legitimacy of the
arbitration taking place;
“China did not appoint an
agent. In a Note Verbale to
the PCA on 1 August 2013,
28
type presented
and throughout the

arbitration proceedings,
China reiterated “its
position that it does not
accept the arbitration
initiated by the
Philippines.” – so this
discourse is arguably
denialist. (The UNCLOS
ruling was not in China’s
favour)
20/7/16 Turnbull Ms Frances Media release Self-explanatory media - - - - - - -
Adamson appointed release
Secretary of the
Department of Adamson had an
Foreign Affairs and instrumental role in enabling
Trade meetings facilitating the
SACES. She was an
‘international advisor’ in the
PM’s office at the time of
her appointment
25/7/16 Bishop ASEAN-Australia Speech Meeting was held in Laos, As above, I guess - - - Actively supports the ‘rules- - “We note the recent decision of
Ministerial Meeting audiences are ASEAN based order’ in its the Tribunal at the Permanent
- Opening remarks ministers. expression in the legitimacy Court of Arbitration in The
of the UN/UNCLOS, by Hague on the South China Sea,
reiterating that its decision which gives clarity to the
on the SCS dispute between international law regarding
China and the Philippines is maritime rights in these waters.
‘final and binding’ Given this clarity, Australia
encourages the Philippines and
China to abide by the ruling,
which is final and binding, and
to re-engage to resolve their
differences. How the outcome
of the arbitration is handled is
an important test for how
ASEAN can help manage
disputes peacefully.”
17/8/16 Turnbull CEDA Keynote Speech This speech extends the Economic growth is the key to - - - “One of the great trading An important market and a good “Securing even a tiny slice of a
Address Melbourne liberalist, growth-first social equality (i.e. liberalist nations”. Opportunistic: customer market in a single Chinese,
philosophy of the previous ideologies) recognising the ‘economic Japanese or Korean city can
government, arguing to miracle’ taking place in provide a very very healthy
reduce debt and increase Asia, and taking advantage income stream well beyond
economic growth. Asia through free trade what can be achieved in
plays into this as a ‘good agreements Australia.”
customer’
Mentions importance of
FTAs, and China FTA
31/8/16 Bishop Australia-China Media release NB the quotes for the sense - - - - - A vital partner not just in “Australia's partnerships with
Council Grants of friendliness. Port economic terms, but in ‘strategic China, Hong Kong, Macau and
Adelaide got an award under and security interests’ as well. Taiwan are vital to our
the scheme – relevant to But also, worth engaging with on economic, strategic and
South Australian cultural cultural terms for that culture’s security interests. Australia is
diplomacy. own sake… also richer for the shared
understandings that holistic
engagement brings. The
projects will focus on the
strategic priorities of promoting
exchanges in arts and culture,
education, economic
diplomacy and Australian
Studies in China.” [NB how
economic diplomacy is
mentioned – this couches it as
something distinct from arts
engagement…]
2/9/16 Turnbull G20 Leadersʼ Media release Announcing Turnbull’s trip As above – though with a more - - - Keen on growth, and willing - “I am travelling with a clear
Summit – a new to the G20 summit. Australia-first premise (and able!) to play a and simple objective: to
path for growth Interesting to note that this substantive role in advance reforms that will help
took place in Hangzhou, contributing to global the Australian economy grow
growth and create more jobs”; “I
29
type presented
China (from September 4- welcome the Hangzhou agenda

5)… for spurring innovation, trade
and other structural reforms to
A great example of the boost global growth”
primacy of ‘economic
growth’ in government
discourse at this time. Also
interesting to note that the
person who goes with
Turnbull to the forum is
Matthias Cormann – why
not Bishop?
7/9/16 Bishop Address to Konrad Speech Given in Berlin, Germany. Democracies are good, “while the West has been Democracies have to not Authoritarianism gains A good liberal democracy Focuses on China’s system of “China’s embrace of formal
Adenauer Focuses on China’s status as authoritarian regimes are struggling with a crisis of only continue to be more traction, which is one-party rule, and the ‘risk’, socialism seemed increasingly
Foundation a political ‘other’ or ‘inherently unstable’ confidence in the strength successful, but to show bad for everyone effectively, that it might be qualified by its greater desire to
‘outsider’. Part of a broader and vitality of our that they’re continuing to because embraced by other states emerge as a market economy,
visit to the EU democracies, authoritarian be successful authoritarianism is disaffected with the ‘rules-based particularly as it made its
leaders have been making inherently bad order’. Therefore, an ‘outsider’ in historic move into the World
hay, exporting to other the existing world system… Trade Organization in 2001.
developing states their Yet the Global Financial Crisis
toolkits for repression, in 2008 spurred a massive loss
surveillance, conflict and of faith in Western financial
destabilisation.” – aimed at practices and institutions … the
Russia and China? model of one-party rule, with
an economy dominated by
State- owned enterprises, seems
a viable alternative [globally]”
8/9/16 Bishop Address To Speech Focuses mostly on the “Australia and the EU share a - - - - - -
European merits of the EU and Aus common set of values”
Parliament, Trade promoting their ‘shared (implied: democratic/liberal
and Foreign Affairs values’ collectively. Only values)
Committee China-related reference is a
cautions/neutral reference to
the South China Sea
17/10/16 Bishop Detention of Crown Media release Very brief, no discourse to - - - - - - -
employees in China analyse (although the event
itself is significant)
18/10/16 Bishop Detention of Crown Media release Full text: “Further to my - - - - - - -
employees in China statement yesterday, I
confirm that consular
officials from the
Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade have
visited two Australian
Crown Resorts Limited
(Crown) employees detained
in China, consistent with the
Australia-China Consular
Agreement. We have
requested access as soon as
possible to a third Australian
held in detention.” – so
nothing substantive
NB: that this is the last piece

of sampled discourse on this
issue…
17/11/16 Turnbull Address to the Speech Nothing substantive on As above - - - Keen to engage with the - “That is why our economic plan
Business Council of China, but another world is built on recognising these
Australia Annual neoliberal economic intrinsic links between
Dinner manifesto economic and social policies. A
fair society, a society that
Interesting to note: ‘we want grows, that is new
more engagement with the opportunities, greater
region’ opportunities for a children and
grandchildren.”; “Instead of
retreating from the world, we
need to strengthen our
engagement internationally
and with the fastest-growing
nations in our region. The big
free trade agreements with
30
type presented
China, South Korea, Japan and

Singapore are already driving
economic growth”
28/11/16 Bishop New Colombo Plan Speech Nothing substantive on - - - - - - -
2017 Scholarship China – just a general
Awards Dinner endorsement of the NCP
12/12/16 Bishop Australia-China Media release Nothing substantive on - - - - - - -

Council China – only thing of
Appointments interest is that it directly
calls out ‘economic
diplomacy’ again as
something the ACC
contributes to
12/12/16 Bishop Human rights Speech Advocating Australia’s - - - - A defender of human rights, A violator of human rights. The “Australia was one of the first
speech - Lowy practical advocacy for and a vocal and often- only specific one mentioned is countries to establish a bilateral
Institute for human rights. It’s interesting effective one. See quotes the death penalty, but the notion human rights dialogue with
International Policy that there aren’t many more that there ought to be a high-level China, and the only at
of these speeches, HR dialogue at all suggests Ministerial level”; “The death
particularly referencing there’d be a fair few more penalty continues to be applied
China, when ‘values’ seem in many countries in our region
to be playing such a key role and on the largest scale in
in Australia’s approach to China.”
foreign policy…
13/12/16 Bishop Foreign Policy Speech Announcing the public “Australia is well-regarded - - - “an open liberal democracy - -
White Paper public consultation process that internationally” dedicated to the rule of law
consultations launch will help shape the FP White and democratic institutions”
Paper. Describes Frances
Adamson as ‘an integral part
of the production of this
paper’ – interesting…
Consultation is meant to be
broad, reaching out, for
instance, to both businesses
and universities and –
nominally – considering
their views equally
14/12/16 Turnbull Address to the Speech Another economic - - - - - A good customer – i.e. reference “We are boosting exports, with
Financial Services manifesto. Note the to FTA the big export trade agreements
Council increasing focus on with China, Japan and Korea,
‘innovation’ as a buzzword, Interesting to note that Turnbull and indeed a relatively new
which was a hallmark of the really isn’t making any effort in deal announced this year with
Turnbull era. Only reference this speech, or indeed in the Singapore” – NB
to China is to the FTA preceding ones, to single out homogenisation
China. In this discourse, it’s just
another big Asian state – and,
therefore, just another big
market. See quote
14/1/17 Turnbull Joint Meeting Media release Self-explanatory title. - The Australia-Japan - - - Implied: a somewhat concerning “The two leaders reaffirmed
Outcomes - Visit to References RCEP in a relationship is more and potentially hostile state? that a high quality Regional
Australia by positive light. Also – big crucial than ever Because of strong reference to Comprehensive Economic
Japanese Prime focus on the South China the South China Sea (in a way Partnership (RCEP) offers
Minister Abe Sea; discourse on this topic that never happened, in the opportunities for closer regional
is certainly ramping up. Abbott era)… economic integration.”; “The
Would Abbott have said situation in the South China
such strong words about it, Specifically refers to Chinese Sea remains of serious
even in the context of a militarisation initiatives, such as concern to both leaders. They
media release with the ‘militarisation of outposts’ and underlined Australia and
Japanese PM? ‘freedom of overflight’ Japan’s shared interests in
(remember China’s overflight freedom of navigation,
References North Korea, but restrictions back in 2014? That overflight and unimpeded trade
not directly in relation to was a long time ago at this point, in the South China Sea and
China. NB North Korea and this is the strongest urged all parties to exercise
rarely came up during the condemnation / condemnation- self-restraint, and to avoid
Abbott era adjacent of that action so far from actions that would escalate
Australia) tensions, including the
militarisation of outposts in the
South China Sea. They called
on parties to resolve disputes
peacefully in accordance with
international law”
31
type presented
26/1/17 Bishop US – Australia Speech Given in LA, in the US. - - - - “a major contributor to An economic miracle “The rise of China and other
Dialogue on Discourse on China isn’t China’s more recent Asian nations, and their success
Cooperation in the related to its relationship economic rise”… A slightly rogue, difficult player in lifting hundreds of millions
Indo-Pacific with the US, though. demanding gratitude? on the international stage, whose of people out of poverty, has
Interesting how, again, a actions in the South China Sea been underpinned by the rules-
speech given to this A defender of the rules- don’t ‘play by the rules’. A state based order, instigated and
audience changes Bishop’s based international order whose credibility will be tested implemented by the United
tone on China – not friendly by its willingness to States, and supported by its
at all anymore (as if China ‘Welcomes’ China’s rise, as multilaterally resolve SCS issues allies and other likeminded
isn’t listening?) long as it plays by the ‘rules’ (particularly at the upcoming East nations.”; “Australia is
Asia Summit) concerned about continued
construction and militarisation
A chief beneficiary of the ‘rules- of disputed features in the
based international order’, which South China Sea, in particular
it now owes the world to continue the pace and scale of China’s
to uphold… activities.”; “Australia
welcomes China’s rise and
A disruption to the ‘order of consistently urges it to assume
things’, that ASEAN states (and a leadership role that supports
others) necessarily have to the rules-based order and
‘wrestle’ with international laws that have
well served us all.”
6/2/17 Bishop Australia-China Media release Effectively the same as the - - - - - - “Our annual dialogue is an
Foreign and version of this media release opportunity to discuss the full
Strategic Dialogue that was released last year. breadth of issues in our bilateral
NB the use of the words relationship in a frank and
‘frank and respectful’ – respectful manner, as well as
synonyms, at least, to those key regional and global issues
used last year of mutual concern.”
8/2/17 Turnbull Remarks at the Speech Another free trade/financial Free trade is good, and Australia’s capacity for Australia must - - An “enormous market”… see “Only yesterday, I was meeting
Launch of Menzies manifesto. Focuses on Australians currently benefit, free trade is boosted by its ‘aggressively’ expand its quote on tourism with the Foreign Minister from
Research Centre services exports, which and have always benefited, economy’s diversity. For competitiveness in China, Mr Wang Yi. And he
Book Fit for plays into the ‘innovation’ from free trade example, its strong exporting services, since it talked about the ambition to
Service: Meeting buzzword services export industry doesn’t have such a great have more and more Chinese
the demand of the existing alongside its raw natural advantage there as tourism coming to Australia. A
Asian middle class NB again, China is materials export industry it does with raw materials bigger share of the enormous
by author Mr homogenised into ‘Asia’ – market.”; “Now by 2030, 3.2
Andrew Bragg just ‘the biggest/an billion or 66 per cent of the
enormous market’… world’s middle class are
expected to live in Asia.
Refers positively to RCEP The size of this market is
unparalleled, as are the export
opportunities it represents”
12/2/17 Turnbull North Korean Media release Condemns the missile - - - - - - -
ballistic missile launch that took place on
launch that day
Doesn’t specifically call out

China as having a uniquely
important influence on
NK… instead, says we’ll
work with ‘our friends and
partners’ – i.e. a whole
collection of
(homogenised…?) Asian
states – to address the risk
NK poses
17/2/17 Turnbull Joint Statement by Media release Discussing the events taking - - - - - Not much, even with relation to “They urged China and
Prime Ministers the place during a leaders’ the South China Sea – certainly, ASEAN to implement fully the
Rt Hon Bill English meeting between the PMs in framing China as an essential – Declaration on the Conduct of
and the Hon New Zealand: independent – interlocutor in the Parties in the South China Sea
Malcolm Turnbull - Focuses heavily on SCS debate (see quote). and to expedite the conclusion
MP trade interests - of an effective Code of Conduct
Remember these are Perhaps there’s tension here for the South China Sea.”
two very neoliberal between China’s ‘individuated’
PMs role within the SCS, and its
- Reiterates ‘homogenised’ status as just
commitment to another part of Asia when it
RCEP – but again, comes to trade…?
doesn’t individuate - This could lead, perhaps,
China (or its to: China is an
independent actor when
32
type presented
importance) as part it’s a threat, but it’s not

of that agreement discussed as an
- Two paragraphs independent actor when
expression concern it’s an asset…
on the South China
Sea
26/2/17 Turnbull Joint Statement Media release Only refers to China in the - - - - - Similar to above – quotes from “Leaders encouraged ASEAN
between The context of the South China this piece are almost identical to Member States and China to
Government of Sea… no reference to China as above – calling out China as work toward an early
Australia and the in the context of RCEP independently important conclusion of an effective Code
Government of the of Conduct in the South China
Republic of Sea.”
Indonesia
13/3/17 Bishop Change and Speech A speech opening a security Again, primacy of the “We should embrace Defending the rules-based “History tells us then A political role-model? A historically hostile state, which “the regional order is under
uncertainty in the dialogue that received ‘international rules-based change rather than fear it.” order: “The better when ‘Might Makes Aims to encourage / compel saw SEA as ‘there for the taking’ strain as nations [i.e. China]
Indo-Pacific: attention as being order’. And also: “We live in alternative [to international Right’ prevails, it sets China to at least become in the 1960s. Later, an ‘economic occasionally use their
Strategic particularly hostile from uncertain times. Many of our A key economic challenge ‘bullying’] is the existing humanity on a dark ‘more democratic’. Also miracle’… economic or military weight
challenges and academics/commentators assumptions founded on the for the Asian region is: rules-based order which path towards conflict lecturing ASEAN states to to push the envelope while
opportunities international rules-based ”There are now too many has served the region in our international do the same (i.e. encourage Sees the ‘rules-based order’ – accusing the rules-based
order that evolved after World countries and too many remarkably well.” relations.” China to become more inaccurately – as a ‘relic from a order of being a relic from a
War II, now appear less firms making too many ‘Remake and reinforce’ democratic): “ASEAN different era’. Unwise and different era.”; “One reason
certain.” products for too few the case for preserving this should never incorrect in its assumption that why the rules-based order
consumers”, and Asian order… underestimate the moral this order needs to be remade in underwrites stability despite
Also references to the states must organically force it can exert in the any way shifts in power and wealth is
‘insidiousness’ and autonomy, compete with one another States must “move ahead form of collective that such an order does not
almost, of communism as an to do best in this by undertaking domestic diplomatic pressure on A dangerous state because it sees privilege previous winners
ideology – ‘on the march’ in environment reforms that make them countries that might think its re-ascendency to the top of the nor constrain opportunity for
the 1960s – more like a more competitive and or behave differently [i.e. global economic sphere as newcomers.” [i.e. it doesn’t
‘disease’ (that ‘takes hold’) attractive to others” – i.e. China]”… ‘natural’, which goes against the take as given China’s re-
than a political philosophy. work within the existing precepts of the ‘international ascendency to the top of the
Feeds into an historically- rules-based framework An “active and vocal rules-based order’. See second global economic order, i.e.
informed idea of China as an (principally through ‘soft advocate of the liberal rules quote China’s return to the ‘status
‘enemy’ – more an allusion power’ as understood in a based order” quo’ after its ‘century of
than an actual belief… Nye-ist sense?) to further Implied to be a growing military humiliation’…]; “[China’s rise]
their strategic objectives, power, and therefore inherently a brings with it its own
Liberalism is the only political rather than acting in any growing military threat: “Rising challenges, not least because
philosophy that’s a) legitimate way coercively… prosperity means that countries China is disputing maritime
and b) works [i.e. China] naturally seek to boundaries in the East and
- Further to this: there’s a Increase US engagement expand their sphere of influence South China Seas”; “While
template for global in Asia in order to and to protect their growing non-democracies such as
success, and that reinforce the status-quo- interests … This inevitably leads China can thrive when
template is, and can based ‘rules based order’ to tensions” – reference to its participating in the present
only ever be, liberal (also points out that this hostility in the SCS reinforces system, an essential pillar of
democracy. There’s no ‘order’ was born when this (only the second direct our preferred order is
second ‘Chinese way’ states friendly to the US reference to China with relation democratic community.
that will, or can ever, dominated the Asian to SCS?) Domestic democratic habits
work. strategic environment, i.e. of negotiating and compromise
Further to this: all states Japan) – essential because A “non-democracy”. (Which is are essential to powerful
eventually become democratic the US upholds liberal framed in this speech as its countries resolving their
values (implication: and defining characteristic, really). Its disagreements according to
China doesn’t) status as a ‘non-democracy’ international law and rules.”;
harms its legitimacy and “Liberal-democratic institutions
capacity for dispute resolution … remain the prerequisites for
in international politics, because stable and prosperous societies,
according to this speech, having as they are for the creation of a
internal democratic politics is a vibrant and innovative private
prerequisite for being able to sector.”
resolve international disputes in a
reasoned, negotiated, and
‘democratic’ way…
- Makes it both a less
legitimate and more
dangerous actor in
international politics. Idea
is: its political system
needs to change for it to
become more legitimate
- Non-democraticness also
hampers its capacity to
‘reach its economic
potential’: “History also
33
type presented
shows democracy and

democratic institutions are
essential for nations if
they are to reach their
economic potential.”
A state that will inevitably, one

day, become fully democratic.
Because all states eventually
become democratic: “While it is
appropriate for different states to
discover their own pathway
leading toward political reform,
history shows that embrace of
liberal democratic institutions is
the most successful foundation
for nations seeking economic
prosperity and social stability.”
16/3/17 Bishop Address to the Speech Seems to try and walk back The international rules-based - - - A friend to everyone in the A growing military power. But “At the same time, we have a
Stratbase Albert del the discourse from the last order is vitally important Indo-Pacific, which has been also, a state with a great deal in comprehensive strategic
Rosario Institute speech. Substantive able to ‘form new common with Australia partnership with China that
references to China are relationships without builds on our free trade
Change and brief, but see quote: sacrificing old ones’ agreement, thus elevating our
Uncertainty in the emphasising commonality relationship to a level of
Indo-Pacific – with China this time around, cooperation that reflects the
Strategic rather than difference depth of our wide ranging
Challenges and common interests and China’s
Opportunities for Interesting to note that this increasing role in the region
Australia and the speech was only 3 days more generally.”
Philippines later… did the previous
speech receive a particularly
hostile reaction?
17/3/17 Turnbull Premier of China's Media release First piece of proper, clear Economic relationship is at the - - - A sensible, trade-focused An essential market, as well as a “This visit will highlight
visit to Australia discourse directly focused core of Australia-China state with the world’s useful investment partner. A Australia’s strong economic
on China from Turnbull in relations interests at heart as well as potential international security relationship with China and
this era. Stresses economic its own risk. our mutual commitment to
partnership, barely referring encouraging trade and
to any other mutual links investment in our region.”;
between the two states “The China-Australia Free
(other than discussing some Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)
‘growing cooperation’ in has greatly strengthened trade
chiefly economic areas, but and investment between our
reference is brief). Intent to two countries, driving growth
grow ChAFTA articulated. and job creation”; “At our
Clear change in discourse annual leaders’ meeting, we
from Abbott era, in that it’s will speak frankly and
now almost solely economic. constructively about
Discusses the need to talk maintaining peace and stability
‘frankly’ about the SCS, in the Asia-Pacific region.”
which indicates a forthright,
slightly aggressive tone.
17/3/17 Bishop Australia-China Media release Nothing different from - - - - - - -
Council Chair similar media releases on the
Appointment ACC. Warwick Smith
appointed chairman
24/3/17 Turnbull Visit to Australia by Speech Speech looking over initial - China and Australia have a - - A reliable partner to China, A good investment partner. Not “The visit underscores
China's Premier Li results from the Premier’s ‘shared commitment to principally in an economic as a security threat; no allusion to Australia’s and China’s shared
Keqiang visit. Announces further promoting greater context SCS… commitment to promoting
reductions in tariffs as part prosperity and security in greater prosperity and security
of ChAFTA, and the intent our region’. Including in our region, including through
to reduce tariffs on services through trade deeper regional and bilateral
as well as goods. liberalisation… trade and investment
liberalisation.”; “Significant
Friendly tone, overall. Not commercial arrangements are
gushing, but not hostile – being signed during the visit
certainly, more welcoming demonstrating business
than the media release which confidence in the relationship.”;
announced the visit “To promote more exchanges
between Australians and
NB the two announced a Chinese we are strengthening
High-level Security cooperation in areas such as
Dialogue would regularly vocational education and
34
type presented
take place following this training and cultural

meeting… exchange. We have also
committed to supporting
activities celebrating the
Australia-China Year of
Tourism 2017.”
24/3/17 Turnbull Address to the Speech A keynote address for Economic relationships act as It’s mutually beneficial for Enhance and broaden “Liberalisation has As a long-standing Chinese A favoured investment partner; “it is my great pleasure to be
China-Australia Premier Li’s visit to the foundation for other types Australia and China to ChAFTA, get RCEP driven productivity, trade partner. Invokes the two-way, but Turnbull is here today among people,
Cooperation on Australia. of relationships increase their economic concluded created jobs, raised history of pre-European particularly keen on the benefits Chinese, Australian leaders
Economy and Focus on free trade and the collaboration and free incomes, and lowered trade in Arnhem Land, as an of Chinese investment in who share a common desire to
Trade Forum ‘economic relationship’, but trade prices. Any retreat example… Australia. see our two great trading
also references to from this path, will nations strengthen our
friendliness and ‘cultural only undercut the gains A long-standing supplier of A crucial market – the ‘most economic relationship”; “We
ties’. Very happily that we’ve made and essential resources to China, important’ thing [the Chinese premier and I]
references ChAFTA: the would risk us going but also a long-standing have spoken of the great respect
‘perfect platform’, which backwards.”; supplier of services – and fondness that exists
Turnbull insists has protectionism happens, something that Turnbull between our peoples, the
delivered demonstrable and everyone gets would like Australia to cultural and educational ties
results for Australia. Seems poorer rediscover that enhance our understanding
successful thus far: “we of each other”; “Even in those
have decided to bring Something of an implied early days, our relationship
forward the review of ‘moral leader’? Whereas was not just about capital,
ChAFTA’s service and Abbott tended to ‘lecture’ to but about the transfer of
investment chapters”. RCEP China about how it should innovative ideas, and the
is framed as a collaborative transform its economy and opening to competition driving
effort between Australia and political institutions, ever-improving goods and
China now, equally in the Turnbull merely insists that services.”; “And Australia too
interests of both states Australia and China already welcomes investment from
have aligned views on the China. Australia is a favoured
Great optimism about the benefits of liberalist destination for Chinese
future of the relationship philosophy investors and China is the fifth
largest source of foreign direct
investment in Australia … This
investment helps to grow our
economy and generate jobs …
and most importantly. [it] also
strengthens our linkages to
distribution networks and sales
channels, increasing our reach
into China’s markets”; “Our
dynamic economic partnership
is proof that trade and
investment liberalisation is the
clear path to economic security
and prosperity.” [which as a
sentence, doesn’t really mean
anything, but the focus on
‘liberalisation’ is important];
“The Premier and I have
reaffirmed again during this
visit we will work to conclude
an ambitious Regional
Comprehensive Economic
Partnership. And that’s an
important element in the
growing, developing Australia-
China relationship.”; “Premier
Li I want to thank you for your
leadership and your vision in
this area of vital importance.
Your leadership has been so
critical to the development of
this strong relationship
between our two great
nations which I know will
continue to flourish into the
future.”
28/3/17 Bishop China Extradition Media release Australia had had an - - - - - - -
Treaty extradition treaty with China
since 2007, but it needed to
be re-ratified.. The
Opposition announced that
35
type presented
they weren’t going to

support this, and so this
media release is just
announcing that the
government is going to
repeal the ratification
instrument and keep
negotiations going with the
Opposition
6/4/17 Turnbull Keynote address at Speech A broad political manifesto. “We are living in the most - - - - A big Asian market / a great “Last month we hosted the
The Sydney Clarifies that the previous extraordinary time, the most customer Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang,
Institute’s 2017 month’s talks with Premier exciting time in human history - his wife, Professor Cheng
Annual Dinner Li were all about trade with economic change Hong, and China’s political and
liberalisation. Refers to unprecedented in its scale and business leaders in talks to
India in the same breath as in its pace.” –Turnbull really promote deeper regional and
China; just another Asian believes this, and that this is the bilateral trade and
market… foundation for his pro-trade investment liberalisation. Our
discourse. Slightly different relationship has firm
origin point to Abbott? foundations already”
11/4/17 Turnbull Address to the Speech Spends time referencing - - - - - - “One of the more significant
National Defence India as a long-standing regional challenges we face, of
College defence partner with course, is competing maritime
Austarlia, in part because claims in the South China Sea”
it’s a ‘like-minded – nothing explicitly at China
democracy’. One very brief
reference to the South China
Sea, nothing substantive on
China
24/4/17 Turnbull Australia and China Media release This agreement follows - - - - A state which might A potential threat to Australia’s “Australia and China agreed
Agree to Cooperate discussion of cyber security potentially have defence cyber security that neither country would
on Cyber Security during Premier Li’s visit the interests counter to China’s conduct or support cyber-
previous month. See quotes enabled theft of intellectual
– frames China as property, trade secrets or
potentially hostile; as if the confidential business
agreement was necessary in information with the intent of
order to prevent China from obtaining competitive
cyberattacking Australia in advantage.”; “The two
some capacity countries agreed to establish a
mechanism to discuss cyber
security and cyber crime issues
with a view to preventing
cyber incidents that could
create problems between
them.”
24/4/17 Bishop Key outcomes from Media release This dialogue is a new thing, - - - - A pioneer of international A good cooperative partner in “Australia and China agreed to
inaugural High- but responds to a number of security agreements with terms of ‘judicial’ and strengthen pragmatic
Level Security agreements that are already China: it was ‘chosen’ ‘international crime’ issues, as cooperation under the criminal
Dialogue with in place, including one on (implied) as the first state well as cyber security. Not a justice framework, and improve
China fighting drug crime (see with which China would close partner, or a ‘trusted its efficiency. Australia
yellow highlight) partner on an international friend’, in this context. Gives the reaffirmed its commitment to
crime-fighting taskforce impression that the security pursue ratification of the
(‘Operation Blaze’, focused relationship with China is bilateral extradition treaty.”;
on drug busts) ‘strong’, but is still a relatively “The dialogue reaffirmed the
new relationship that needs to be strong law enforcement
worked on relationship between Australia
and China”
15/6/17 Bishop Australia China Speech Given in Canberra Economics underpin Aus-China “Government-to- Strengthen those people- None presented – too NB: Fully in favour of Mostly an economic partner, “I also thank the Council for
Business Council (Parliament House) to relationship (and, it’s implied, government level, to-people contacts. happy and optimistic Chinese students: “The though the states have a the role they played in ensuring
Networking Day mostly Australian business always have and always will) government-to- Context here is in the for that presence of the tens of relationship that is “far more the success of the visit by
delegates government engagement, context of this networking thousands of Chinese profound than merely buying Premier Li Keqiang in March.”;
is at a high level and day, which exists to do just students is adding greatly from and selling goods to each “This bilateral relationship
NB big gap in discourse – constant. But when our that, but the point is to the intellectual debate, other” between Australia and China is
nothing in May… people engage, that’s when transferrable diversity and vibrancy of growing stronger day-by-day.
countries become friends.” our campuses.” A country which young It is multifaceted, although our
Interesting, too, to note the Australians are keen on, as economic ties are a
praise for Chinese students, A ‘comprehensive’ partner evidenced by its popularity under standout.”; “There is one
which is interesting in the with China the NCP outstanding example of
context of current collaboration between
discourse… Certainly not an insidious Australia and China, amongst
security threat, as evidenced by the many, and this is one
Highlights the NCP - is Bishop’s praise for NCP available to our undergraduates
making a clear link between programs involving Huawei… who take part in the New
36
type presented
something akin to ‘cultural’ Colombo Plan – it’s the “ATN

diplomacy and ‘economic Strong govt-to-govt and people- Huawei Seeds for the Future
diplomacy’ (since the to-people relationshjips project.””; “The Australian
context is an ACBC Football League played its first
meeting) ever regular season game in
China this year when Port
NB how much praise she Adelaide Power played the
gives Huawei – fascinating Gold Coast Suns. I understand
in the context of current all of the stadium’s 10,000
discourse around the 5G seats were sold out, with a
network worldwide TV audience of over
20 million viewers.”;
“Government-to-government
level, government-to-
government engagement, is at a
high level and constant. But
when our people engage,
that’s when countries become
friends.”
26/6/17 Bishop Address to the Speech Argues for Australia to The US will continue to be a - - - - An economic miracle (verbatim, “it is fair to say that the
Argentine Council engage more in Latin preeminent power a ‘development miracle’) trajectory of relations between
for International America, but then veers off the US and China is uncertain.
Relations (CARI) into a speech talking about Unpredictable, particularly with This is arguably the most
‘global outlooks’ and the relation to its relationship with significant bilateral relationship
future of IR, again talking the US in the world today”
about the importance of like-
minded countries banding
together to defend the rules-
based status quo
2/7/17 Turnbull Keynote address Speech This follows on from Julie “The US-anchored rules-based “If we are to maintain the Ensuring that China is “Some fear that China A moral tutor in favour of A genuine security threat by “This means cooperation not
16th IISS Asia Bishop’s relatively order - the remarkable system dynamism of the region compelled not to trash the will seek to impose a the ‘rules-based order’ sheer virtue of its size, and one unilateral actions to seize or
Security Summit, inflammatory speech earlier where nations big and small then we must preserve the regional security status latter day Monroe that is unpredictable and might create territory or militarise
Shangri-La in the year (also in agree to play by the rules and rules-based structure that quo, which keeps the Doctrine on this not act in Australia – or the disputed areas.”; “The
Dialogue Singapore). The premise, respect each other’s has enabled it thus far.” region peaceful hemisphere in order to world’s – interests. An restoration of China and India
with relation to China, is sovereignty” underpins global AND: “China has gained dominate the region, unpredictable threat to the status to the ranks of economic giants,
that the US-supported ‘rules security and is the only the most from the peace marginalising the role quo, and remember that the status with the strategic power and
based order’ is essential to practical way to maintain world and harmony in our and contribution of quo = regional peace and influence that follows, is seen
maintaining peace and peace. I.e. the status quo is region, and consequently it other nations, in security. by their leaders and their
security, and China regional peace and security has the most to lose if it is particular the United people, as a return to the
potentially presents a threat threatened.”… States. Such a dark Communist! NB quote to the left, natural order of things.”; “A
to that. - Interesting in the view of our future which alludes to China using coercive China would find its
context of what would see China ‘soft’ (kinda) power mechanisms neighbours resenting demands
First reference is with coded Turnbull was isolating those who to coerce states to behave in they cede their autonomy and
condemnation of Chinese saying a few stand in opposition to China’s interests, or to support strategic space, and look to
actions in the SCS (see first months prior about or are not aligned with China’s trade agenda, or to counterweight Beijing’s
quote in far right). Beyond Australia and its interests, while control states and reshape the power by bolstering alliances
this, it’s all about casting China having using its economic regional order ‘from the top and partnerships, between
China as an unpredictable shared interests in largesse to reward down’ according to its wishes. themselves and especially
threat which might seek to terms of their those toeing the line.” This is very much an extension of with the United States.”
dominate the region in the shared traditional conceptions of what [interesting that this is already
way it once historically did. commitment to free - this whole quote is communism does… what Australia was doing at
Basically saying, ‘it’s in our trade and economic fascinating. Points to this time. Also, I don’t think
interests to disrupt/stymie liberalism… is that draw out of it: China’s former power, and its they’re likely to do that
any attempts by China to just not relevant -- the US gets potential ‘return to the natural anymore, when the US has
alter the power/strategic when he’s giving a ‘marginalised’ in the order of things’, is framed as bad. been made such a strategic
status quo’, while also speech to a security region, loses influence, Previously, it’s been framed as, at clusterfuck]; “Just as modern
saying ‘it’s inevitable that conference? (and which is bad for the worst, neutral China was founded in 1949 on
China will attempt to alter does this imply that US-sustained regional an assertion of national
the status quo’ – so security and order (implied: the sovereignty, so will 21st
Turnbull’s discursively economic interests values of which have Century China best succeed
inventing a conflict… are separate from sustained peace in the by respecting the sovereignty
one another? That region) of others and in so doing build
Also condemns North would run totally -- China becomes a reservoir of trust and
Korea, and, for the first time counter to Abbott- ‘dominating’, cooperation with its
in this discourse, urges era discourse) imposing its own neighbours.”; “And it has no
China directly to do political ideas and better or more urgent
something about North norms on other states opportunity to build that trust
Korea. Refers to China’s through coercion than to use its great leverage,
‘great leverage’ over the and/or control. (NB the and the responsibility with
situation, and suggests it has number of times which it comes, to curb the
the ability to act Abbott referred to unlawful, reckless and
China having a dangerous conduct of North
37
type presented
autonomously to (partly) ‘different political Korea.” – followed by a

address the problem system’ from change in tone: “Now some
Australia, so this commentators argue that
Also mentions RCEP extension isn’t totally Australia has to choose
(positively) illogical…) between Beijing and
-- With the US out of Washington.
the picture, China It is an utterly false choice - we
isolates states that have a good friend and
don’t agree to serve partner in Beijing and a
China’s interests. steadfast friend and ally in
Washington.” [nb difference
This is premised on between ‘good’ and ‘steadfast’]
heaps of things,
including that China’s
interests (already)
aren’t the same as
everyone else’s
interests. Which might
be a key point to
consider later on
5/7/17 Turnbull Australia condemns Media release Seriously strong - - - - A concerned international A partner, to some degree, with a “We again urge China to use its
DPRK Missile Test condemnation, as would be citizen, but nothing rogue state. Implication is kinda considerable leverage to rein
expected. Reference to particularly exceptional questioning what China perceives in the dangerous behaviour of
China is also quite strong… going on discursively here its ‘real interests’ to be…? the North Korean leadership.
see ‘considerable leverage’ Implies, certainly, that China has
an enormous amount of weight
over the DPRK – which is really
very new
Language is similar to, but

stronger than, that used in the
Singapore address
10/7/17 Turnbull Disraeli Prize Speech + press References North Korea, - - - - An ‘open economy’ that An ascendant country that “Chinese people and Chinese
Speech: In Defence conference ChAFTA, and the Belt and ‘welcomes investment’ from challenges the status quo in its act leaders, including obviously Xi
of a Free Society Road Initiative (which gets a China of ascending… Jinping see themselves as being
non-answer from Turnbull) restored to the level of pre-
A state with the ‘greatest eminence that is really the
Tone overall is ‘frank’ and leverage’ of any state over North natural order of things”; “In
muted? Not actively hostile, Korea terms of how Britain should
but certainly not friendly deal with China, it should deal
A place where it is ‘tricky’ to with China as we do - honestly,
invest… see quote: “It is much frankly, openly. We have an
easier to invest in Australia as a honest engagement, a very
foreigner that it is for example to candid engagement. There are
invest in China as a foreigner. some areas of, well some areas
We are a very open economy.” where we would like China to
– implying that China isn’t? do more. The obvious one, that
This discourse could be both Theresa and I talked about
extrapolated/taken further, along today is with North Korea.”;
the lines of ‘China is inherently a “We have a very strong
difficult place to invest in’. But relationship with China. It goes
why would that be the case? well beyond economics as you
Certainly, partly because of the know, there is a lot of
idiosyncracies of Chinese cultural Australian business in China”
relationships... [leading into a non-answer
about the Belt and Road
initiative]
18/7/17 Bishop Indo-Pacific Speech Given in New Delhi, India. Rules-based order is rad, India An “approach to “We must work towards a - A leader by example when it An essential economic partner, “Our objective must be to
Oration II A fair bit of useful discourse and Australia are co-defenders international dispute future where relations comes to maritime disputes more than anything else – “It is in encourage China to exercise its
on China with relation to of this order resolution, founded on between states are i.e. the SCS: “Australia is no-one’s interest for the Chinese economic and strategic weight
India being a strong respect for international predictable and currently participating in a economy to falter.” in a way that respects the
(democratic) partner to law, sets an example that transparent, governed by a conciliation process under sovereign equality of states,
Australia in its desire to allows us to look upon the shared acceptance of the UNCLOS to agree maritime A state that needs to be led in the that upholds and strengthens
strengthen the ‘rules-based dynamic Indo-Pacific principles of international boundaries with Timor- right direction the rules-based order and that
order’ (or at least that’s region with hope and law.” Leste. This is how countries benefits all countries and
what’s assumed) ambition, rather than in our region need to resolve peoples” – not a new discourse
anxiety” disputes, including in the but put particularly clearly here
South China Sea, and we
continue to oppose the
construction of artificial
reefs and the militarisation
of those structures in the
38
type presented
South China Sea” – strong

dig at China
Also an advocate and

effective leader for strong
governance standards in
international institutions, for
example the AIIB
21/7/17 Bishop Address to 2017 Speech Topic is ‘Trump and Asia’, - “US leadership is as - - Concerned particularly - “During the election campaign,
Economic and so this is very US-focused, important now as it has about US-China trade President Trump made strong
Social Outlook and therefore focused on been at any time since the relations. But it frames the statements about the US/China
Conference representations of the US end of the Second World US as much as an antagonist trade imbalance. It remains to
rather than China War. There is no doubt in here as China – see quote… be seen how he intends to
my mind that it is strongly respond in terms of policy
in Australia's national decisions. Australia has urged
interest, as it is in the for any differences to be
national interest of all resolved through negotiation, as
Indo-Pacific nations, for no one's interests would be
the United States to retain served by any form of trade
a strong, unwavering conflict” [that worked out well
commitment to this hey]
region.” – mostly because
it’s a key defender of the
‘rules-based order’
25/7/17 Bishop 20th anniversary of Speech Speech celebrates this - - - - - Not clear, but I gather it’s framed “the pragmatic formulation of
the establishment of anniversary. References as a reasonable, sensible 'one country, two systems' has
the Hong Kong ChAFTA. Not much directly contributor to Hong Kong’s seen benefits to China, to Hong
Special on China autonomy through the ‘one Kong, to the wider region, and
Administrative country, two systems’ thing – of course with Hong Kong
Region of the which is framed here as working maintaining a high level of
People's Republic rather well indeed autonomy.”
of China
29/7/17 Turnbull Australia condemns Media release Self-explanatory. NB - - - - - Again, a state with considerable “Australia also urges China to
latest North Korean reference to China influence over North Korea. The use its considerable leverage to
Ballistic Missile nature of that influence isn’t dissuade North Korea from
Test really specified – is it political or continuing to conduct these
economic? tests in order to develop its
illegal nuclear and ballistic
missile programs.
6/8/17 Turnbull New United Nations Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - - -
and Australian
Sanctions against
North Korea
10/8/17 Bishop Address to the Speech To an Australian business - - - - - - -
Australian Industry audience, self-explanatory.
Group Only very brief reference is
to ChAFTA.
16/8/17 Bishop Australia-China Media release Announcing the winners of - - - - - - “The quality and breadth of the
Council Grants these grants. Identical to a projects in the 2017-18 round
media release given about are a testament to the rich
this last year (and the year potential of our people-to-
before…?). No particularly people engagement with
interesting grantees, I don’t China.”
think…
29/8/17 Turnbull Australia condemns Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - As above – though this time, their “We also call on major
North Korea missile influence is specified as being economic partners of North
test chiefly economic… Korea, including China and
Russia, to use their bilateral
economic leverage over
Pyongyang to persuade the
regime to abandon its illegal
missile and nuclear weapons
programs.
29/8/17 Turnbull North Korea Missile Media release Self-explanatory. Note the - - - - - A good, responsible international “In particular we welcome
Launch strong praise for China for citizen, who has used its ‘great China’s clear intent to
acting along with everyone leverage’ over NK effectively to implement the latest sanctions
else punish it. The phrasing, and the which will impose a heavy
preceding context, makes it economic price on North Korea
appear that Australia is slightly for its dangerous conduct.
surprised China has agreed so
39
type presented
quickly to implement these China has unique economic

sanctions leverage over North Korea and
with that greatest leverage
comes the greatest
responsibility and we urge
Beijing to use it, to bring this
North Korean regime to its
senses.
3/9/17 Turnbull North Korean Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - As above. Tone has definitely “We welcome China’s intent to
Aggression – changed, praising China for implement sanctions, and urge
Nuclear Test doing its best, effectively it to use its substantial
economic and political leverage
to rein in North Korea’s
actions.”
12/9/17 Turnbull New United Nations Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - As above. This little piece of “We urge China in particular to
Security Council discourse on North Korea (and, use its unique economic
Sanctions against indeed, this one phrase) has really leverage over Pyongyang to
North Korea taken over all discourse on China. place further pressure on the
The strong focus on China is North Korean regime.”
logical, at least according to the
news reports I remember…
15/9/17 Turnbull North Korean Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - As above, though weirdly, this “It is vital that all members of
ballistic missile time it’s alluding to China rather the international community
launch than being at all forthright about fully implement the UN
it. See quote – not sure why this Security Council resolutions –
would be? especially Permanent Five
members of the Security
Council with significant
economic relations with
North Korea.” [i.e. China]
22/9/17 Bishop Address to the Asia Speech Given in New York, so I - - - - Once again, conditionally A state challenged by its ageing “We support China playing a
Society assume it’s addressing supportive of China’s rise, population: see highlight, p2 greater leadership role in
mostly Australians and as a defender of the rules- reinforcing and strengthening
Americans. Note discourse based international order A state with a great responsibility the rules-based order that has
here placing a burden on to uphold international peace and enabled its rise and continues to
China to uphold security: security, commensurate with its underpin its growing
less chiding, more like ‘this economic status: “It is vital for prosperity.” [NB quotes like
is your responsibility’ China that it plays a constructive this take on a slightly new tone
role commensurate with its after the Singapore speech…]
standing. And of course China
has additional responsibilities
as a permanent member of the
Security Council in terms of
safeguarding international peace
and security”
6/10/17 Bishop Sir John Downer Speech As with all of these, it’s - - - - Its defense of the rules- A flouter of the ‘rules-based -
Oration given at the University of based order is exemplified order’. Implication is: ‘a
Adelaide – domestic by its reaction to the legitimate decision was reacted to
audience UNCLOS tribunal in the with scorn and ignorance from
SCS (this discourse is Beijing’
Defending Australia’s discussed above): “We were
commitment to values, probably the most insistent An economic miracle
mostly… so playing back and robust of any country
into that discourse in the world in upholding
the authority of the Tribunal,
and I’m well aware of how
that was received in
certain capitals to our
North.” – implication is that
Australia is forthright in
defending its values,
irrespective of China’s
reaction…
16/10/17 Bishop Foreign Policy in an Speech Title is the topic of the Primacy of rules-based order “The international rules- - - Principally as a defender of An inherently risky country, -
Uncertain World - speech. Given in Canberra, etc etc based order, the web of the ‘international rules- because of its long-standing and
Australian Institute domestic audience. treaties and alliances and based order’, articulated ongoing regional conflicts.
of International institutions that has been with reference to the SCS: “China has maritime disputes
Affairs 2017 Aside from everything else built up since World War “Australia’s position is that with five Southeast Asian
National mentioned in quotes in the II is under strain, even China and the Philippines countries, including the rising
Conference far right column, references fraying, as some nations should treat the Award as powers of Philippines, Indonesia
the NCP (and its success) – seek to bend or break rules final and binding” and Vietnam … The Taiwan
40
type presented
“one of the wisest in pursuit of short-term question remains unresolved.”

investments the gain.” An “open, liberal This is all somewhat obvious, but
Government could make democracy, committed to this is the first time she’s really
in foreign policy terms” – NB THIS: “It is partly in freedoms, the rule of law explicitly called out the fact that
so indicates they’re response to these and and democratic institutions” China is inherently a security risk
receptive to cultural policy other challenges that the
initiatives? Turnbull Government will A great economic partner;
be releasing its Foreign references ChAFTA
Policy White Paper later
this year – the first since
2003” – will be interesting
to see, then, how the
White Paper refers to the
‘rules-based international
order’ and how central
values are…
17/10/17 Bishop Australian Chamber Speech Given in Canberra, domestic - - - - - - -
of Commerce and audience. Talks up the
Industry Leaders’ Foreign Policy White Paper,
Summit which is to be released in the
following month
Lauds the NCP, in the

context of its utility to
Australian students. No
substantive characterisation
of China, or anything
specific on Australian
foreign policy (even with
relation to NCP)
4/11/17 Turnbull Keynote Address Speech Turnbull begins by The free world is founded on Reinforcing the rules- “If we are to maintain the Conflict between the A responsible defender of Vaguely couched as a threat to On OBOR: “Like trade, cross-
to the 2017 Asia addressing Germany, which liberalist principles, which based order principally dynamism and prosperity US and China – pragmatic, time-tested the ‘rules-based order’, but border infrastructure
Pacific Regional is interesting. It mostly extend to free market principles involves reinforcing the of the Indo-Pacific, then between “assertive economic and political there’s not much hostility investment is an
Conference, Perth signifies that this isn’t a (CF: a world in which this economic ‘rules-based we have to reinforce the state capitalism” and systems of order vocalised. An innovative and unambiguously good thing
Chinese audience. Also system were ‘weakened’ would order’, which is the key rules-based structure that “populism”, potentially vital contributor to when it’s done right The
opens – and is thematized by be “poorer [i.e. worse] for all of job for powerful first- has enabled it thus far.” – respectively – “could international infrastructure regional demand is very clear.
– a defense of neoliberal us”) world states right now which, according to undermine the through OBOR (though Now, China's Belt and Road
economic principles, open Turnbull, means pursuing stability of the World conditionally). Still framed as Initiative has a role to play in
markets and free trade. 2 the TPP even in the US’s Trade Organisation's somewhat unpredictable. But – meeting that demand. It’s also
substantive points on China absence, as well as rules-based trading framed as being on a par with the spurring healthy competition
(other than ‘they’re a great pursuing RCEP… system and its all- US (under Trump) in its from Japan, India, the United
market’ worth noting: - “Prime Minister important mechanisms unpredictability, and certainly not States and others. Australia is
- Identifying a ‘risk’ Abe and I believe for settling disputes”… explicitly framed as any worse… not in the business of
of tensions between the TPP offers barracking for one strategic
China and the US – much more than NB here the veiled The ‘economic miracle’ investment agenda over
see quotes for market access. It critique of the US! Not discourse comes back into it at another.”
interesting promises greater described unilaterally the start, too
descriptors transparency and a as a defender of the
- Comment on the stronger rule of free world, so that
OBOR initiative – law, in a world premise has
‘we don’t advocate which is disappeared a bit.
for one type of free dangerously short (Perhaps influenced by
trade over another, of both.” – so as an the fact that he’s
it’s all rad’… economic deal, it talking to a German
offers rules that audience, who some
Also: continues to be very reinforce the ‘rules- commentators see as
supportive of RCEP based order’ that usurping the US’s role
everyone loves. as the ‘defender of the
NB: this is the first piece of Interesting free world’?)
discourse that rates highly discourse
on China in about 4 or 5
months
5/11/17 Bishop Keynote Address to Speech I don’t quite understand who - - - - - Contributor to an ‘uncertain’ “Our Paper will seek to
the Asia-Pacific the audiences for these strategic environment establish a framework that will
Regional speeches are, but she’s given guide and support foreign
Conference for a couple already so far. policy makers over the next
German Business Delivered in Perth. decade in what will
undoubtedly be a more
Lauds ChAFTA and the contested and uncertain
NCP, but also paints China international environment,
as a bit of a strategic how the rise of China will
uncertainty affect our region”
41
type presented
8/11/17 Bishop APEC Ministerial Speech Given in Da Nang, Vietnam, - - - - Defender of the rules-based - -
Meeting to APEC ministers – international order, though
international (but not largely with reference to
Chinese) audience NK, not talking about China
No substantive reference to
China, only mention is with
reference to NK
10/11/17 Turnbull Joint Outcomes Media release Announcing that Australia - - - - - - -
Statement following and Vietnam are elevating
bilateral talks their relationship to a
between Prime ‘strategic partnership’. Only
Minister Nguyen reference to China is the
Xuan Phuc and South China Sea; doesn’t
Prime Minister explicitly call out China
Malcolm Turnbull
10/11/17 Bishop Australia-China Media release Self-explanatory Australia’s widely seen a ‘good - - - A ‘good global citizen’ with An important global citizen, but “As the world’s largest
Ministerial global citizen’ already its ‘significant’ 5% GHG not an inherently good one – greenhouse gas emitter China’s
Dialogue on emission reduction target. which doesn’t praise or climate change efforts are
Climate Change Also, a helpful technical encourage China’s existing critical to effective international
partner, offering expertise efforts in any way, but points out action. China is also Australia’s
and technology that might that its sheer size will make its number one trading partner so
help China combat rising emissions reduction efforts understanding China’s efforts
emissions ‘important’ to reduce emissions helps
NB the assumption here Discourse here is: ‘Australia’s Australia strike the right
perhaps that Australia is helping, China should be helping’ balance between safeguarding
‘smarter’ than China…? economic growth and climate
That it inevitably/naturally change action.”
has a greater capacity to
produce high-tech goods
than China does (bc it’s a
‘more established first-world
country…?)
11/11/17 Turnbull Visit to Hong Kong Media release Announcing the first visit by - - - - Defender of both free - -
a sitting Australian PM to market and democratic
Hong Kong since 1984. principles: chiefly by its
Also coincides with the 45th defence of the ‘one country,
anniversary of Australia- two systems’ philosophy
China relations, which is
neat
Nothing really substantive

on China; reference to NK,
but not with relation to
China
17/11/17 Bishop 2017 Alfred Deakin Speech Given in Geelong, domestic - - - - A beneficiary of China’s An economic miracle. A strong “Australia and China are
Institute oration audience. Interesting that rise. NB: not couched as an security partner in NK, who is Comprehensive Strategic
this is references China ‘enabler’ of China’s rise, making the right moves there. Partners with a respectful and
almost entirely in economic which is a discourse that’s constructive relationship.”
terms – it’s not an come up before A growing military power – this
economics/business-focused isn’t condemned or criticised, just
institute (it does all types of noted.
Australia policy, ‘social
justice’ et al?) A comprehensive and strong
partner to Australia.
22/11/17 Turnbull Remarks at the Speech Unsurprisingly, this is a very - - - - - - -
Australian Chamber economically-focused
of Commerce and address - only mention of
Industry (ACCI) anything to do with China is
Small Business with ChAFTA, so not
Roundtable relevant on its own
22/11/17 Bishop European Speech Delivered in Sydney, but I Rules-based order etc This isn’t the central Seek ‘regional stability’ as - A state held in ‘high regard’ An economic miracle BUT “China has been able to grow
Australian guess the audience is claim, but it’s an a key goal all the time across the world. ONLY BECAUSE of the and prosper and rise in an
Business Council European, at least partly? interesting claim international rules-based order. unprecedented way, lifting
AGM nonetheless: US is still the A big supporter of the US Returning to the discourse of hundreds and millions of
This is interesting for the world’s only superpower, ‘you owe the international rules- people out of poverty as a
weight and importance it regardless of the fact that based order, China’… result of that umbrella of the
puts on a US presence in the India and China and Japan international rules-based
Asia-Pacific – which are also all big and order.”; “China of course is
previous speeches in the past challenging the United States.
42
type presented
few months don’t really powerful. (Homogenising, We unequivocally put our

seem to do as much maybe…?) support behind the United
States as the world's only, in the
Mentions the White Paper foreseeable future, global
superpower but we recognise
that we need a very positive
and strong relationship with
China and also with other
ASEAN countries.”
23/11/17 Turnbull Launch of the Speech Announcing the third-ever The “international rules-based “we live in times, yes, of ‘Revitalise’ Australia’s Generally speaking: Value-focused; a defender A ‘strategically ambitious’ state “Australia’s foreign policy
Government’s foreign policy white paper in system of norms, rules and uncertainty and indeed armed forces, with a big the ‘international rules- of liberal values for their which also generates – must advance our values and
Foreign Policy Australia’s history, so it’s a institutions” – which times that are more investment in the defence based order’ own sake, but also because presumably, by virtue of its our national interests. It must
White Paper big deal. (Bear in mind that foregrounds the primacy of dangerous, then we’ve budget – in order to deteriorates, and doing so is in Australia’s different political system, do so clear eyed and pragmatic,
‘Australia in the Asian state sovereignty but otherwise seen for a very long counter ‘uncertainty’; “We Australia’s security is national interest. Value- ‘political uncertainty’ (see second in a time when the pace and
Century’ or whatever it was isn’t explicitly defined – time”… Which is partly must secure our own put at risk by the focused foreign policy is quote) scale of change is
called only came out in fundamentally underpins global brought about by future” emergence of chaos. good foreign policy unprecedented in all of human
2012, it just got widely stability (and economic growth) economic growth itself. (The implication here Potentially a bit rogue; chiefly history.”; “The economic forces
ignored…) (IMPLICATION perhaps: is that Australia can’t Also, value-based! “Now identified as a threat to the ‘rules- that have delivered prosperity
‘Security and prosperity go economic diplomacy isn’t work within any other the genius of Australia is based international order’ and opportunity, are also
Also worth noting that hand in hand’ the only answer to system, not even if that we define our national through its actions in the South generating - because of the
Frances Adamson probably maintaining regional peace some kind of new identity not by race or China Sea, and its indication that rapid rate of change -
had a big role in writing this anymore…? Maybe ‘order’ or ‘orderliness’ religion or ethnicity, but it might not be too keen to political uncertainty, military
paper – worth looking up Turnbull’s govt has is generated by, say, rather by a commitment to comply with UN mandates about capability and strategic
decided that economic China…) – it cannot shared political values and how to behave there ambition” [a clear tacit
NB reference to AFL!! growth doesn’t just result possibly envision institutions which are reference to China]; “This is the
Which gets a shout-out – see in democratic/liberal another form of order accessible to all.” – so its A great market/trading first time in our history that our
The Australia newspaper governments anymore – other than what’s foreign policy ought to be partner/investment dominant trading partner is not
article Mum clipped for me i.e. countering the implied to be a US- defined by a commitment to partner/customer (still identified also our dominant security
today (23/6/18). Referencing principles of ‘economic centric, US-led, upholding values, because as China’s most important partner. We must see this as an
culture as a source of diplomacy’, to some unipolar order (bit of it’s that commitment to quality) opportunity, not a risk”; “We
‘warmth’ between the two extent, advanced by the an extreme read but the values which best reflects a are pragmatists, not ideologues.
leaders; interesting little previous government?) vibe is right) commitment to upholding A responsible actor on North Being true to ourselves is a
allusion to the potential of Australia’s interests Korea – “Those who like to focus hard-headed investment in a
cultural diplomacy, which The “the liberal rules- overseas… only on difference or fairer, more stable and
Turnbull seems to tacitly based … is under greater - THIS little quote is disagreement, should reflect how prosperous world” [i.e. a
recognise (alludes to a little stress than at any time probably the BEST China has gone much further values-based foreign policy
window into how it might fit since its creation in the window into than many imagined, or indeed isn’t ideological, it’s pragmatic.
into his broader diplomatic 1940s” Australia’s attitude predicted, in the application of That seems like a difficult
strategy…?) to foreign policy tighter and tighter economic argument to defend, but it is
under Turnbull. See sanctions on North Korea.” definitely an interesting
Five key aims of the all the other notes Generally a good military partner discourse]; “Our friendship and
strategy: around here/this when Aus and China have shared partnership with China
- Pursuing ‘economic interests; for example, fighting enriches our economy and
opportunity’ in the Envisions an Indo-Pacific terrorists in Mindanao and society, while not preventing
region through that continues to be Manila us from vigorously advancing
enabling more free underpinned by the ‘rules- our own interests”; “I have
trade (RCEP and the based international order’, always enjoyed a frank and
remains of TTP, as which involves peaceful warm relationship … indeed
well as bilateral dispute settlement etc. (but with the leaders of China, with
deals) doesn’t state how it’s gonna whom I have now spent many
- Strengthening help get there) hours in conversation, mostly
relationships with Reinforced by: “The rules- about economic and security
regional partners based order protects us all issues but in the case of
who ‘share and it protects us, in Premier Li stretching more
commitment to particular. It is manifestly in recently to Australian Rules
rules-based our national interest to Football and its growing
institutions’. Best advance it and defend it.” following in China”;
example is with
Japan, along with “A regional power with
India… global influence”
- ‘Elevating’ SEA to a (ambitious?)
‘top priority’ for
Australian foreign
policy – in large part,
it seems, because
Aus reckons this is
gonna be a new
hotbed for terrorist
activity if it doesn’t
provide material /
economic support to
prevent that from
43
type presented
happening (i.e. its

actions in the
Philippines)
- Elevating
commitment to the
Pacific. NB although
it’s not a discourse
that’s referenced at
all here, this has
been framed by
recent commentary
as resulting in
‘bolstering’
Australian interests
in the region against
China (i.e. funding
that undersea cable
to the Solomon
Islands or wherever
it was). See quote
highlighted in green,
p10
- Putting ‘resilience’
and ‘autonomy’ at
the heart of
Australian foreign
policy…
23/11/17 Bishop 45th Anniversary Speech This happens just in advance Australia and China already Reiterates that Australia - - - Primarily a great “many representatives from
of Australia-China of a High-Level Dialogue of have a strong relationship and China both stand to customer/market, and economic business who underpin the
Diplomatic some description, chaired on benefit from partner: “At the core of our bilateral relationship” –
Relations Australia’s side by John strengthening, rather than relationship is the China- primacy of economics, again;
Howard altering, the international Australia Free Trade Agreement “Tomorrow we will discuss
rules-based order which came into force in 2015.” ways that we can deepen and
Mentions the Foreign Policy (economic diplomacy’s back!) – broaden our already strong
White Paper, of course, NB the implications “HOWEVER, it would be a relationship, how we manage
which has by now already around the Singapore mistake to view the relationship our different perspectives
been launched – see speech that China was one through the prism of our trade while we work together to
Turnbull discourse of the key countries relationship only, for this is truly ensure peace and prosperity in
working to disrupt this a comprehensive partnership that our region” [this quote inserts a
Also references success of order… covers a broad spectrum of liiiittle bit of tension into the
NCP cooperation and collaboration”. speech]; “I ask you to stand for
Friendly discourse – China’s a a toast. To the people of China,
See comments on North good, reliable partner, including the people of Australia, long
Korea in ‘representation of in defence may our relationship flourish
China’ column… and endure.” [very friendly
A state with a ‘different ending to this speech]
perspective’ / worldview to
Australia
A defender of the international

rules-based order - “I particularly
want to acknowledge that with
China's growing power and
influence it has taken on a
global role in supporting that
international rules based
order” – referencing its sanctions
on North Korea. Which is a
limited anecdote to use, but still
interesting
24/11/17 Bishop Launch of the 2017 Speech This actually repeats a Rules-based order etc “This international rules- - - An “open, liberal Tacitly: a state that ‘owes’ the -
Foreign Policy bunch of quotes from based order has been to democracy, committed to rules-based international order
White Paper previous speeches, though Australia's great benefit. It freedoms, the rule of law allegiance…
not all ones I’ve noted is in our long-term and democratic institutions.”
down. Chiefly illustrates interests, and the interests
Australia’s support for the of all nations, to
‘internatioanl rules-based strengthen and defend that
order’ international rules-based
order, particularly those
NB: the report is framed as nations who have
“the most comprehensive benefited and gained the
report ever into the most.” [aka China!]
44
type presented
intersection of our national

interest and our international
engagement.” – potentially a
useful phrase/quote?
24/11/17 Bishop Celebrating 45 Media release Announcing the opening of - - - - - - “45 Years, 45 Stories pays
years of Australia- ’45 Years, 45 Stories’ – a tribute to the everyday
China relations piece of web-based public engagement between the
diplomacy people of Australia and China
that underpins our official
So this is one of very few diplomatic relationship”
pieces of discourse that
actually focuses on the
people-to-people
relationship – though still
talks mostly about economic
relationships…
27/11/17 Bishop New Colombo Plan Speech Talks about NCP, not China. - - - - - - “During his visit to Australia
2018 Scholarship earlier this year, Chinese
Awards Ceremony Foreign Minister Wang Yi told
me he supported the New
Colombo Plan, he noted
China’s desire to work more
closely with Australia in
education and through the New
Colombo Plan” [perhaps a
useful quote, but doesn’t mean
much I don’t think]
28/11/17 Bishop North Korea: Our Speech Given in Canberra. Focuses - - - - - Has a powerful role to play in “I am pleased to see that China
Strategic Challenge ofc on North Korea. ‘controlling’ North Korea’s is fully implementing the
- Menzies Research References to China are actions. Currently playing that sanctions that have been
Centre National positive! Talking about how role well, through its support for imposed … about 95 percent of
Security Network it’s encouraging that China’s sanctions, but the implication is [NK’s] foreign direct
Breakfast supporting sanctions that it could always do more – investment comes from China”
speech really focuses on how
China kinda sustains NK’s
economy
29/11/17 Turnbull North Korean Media release Self-explanatory - - - - - A responsible actor, doing its part -
ballistic missile test to try and stop NK from behaving
badly (as reflected in sanctions
it’s previously applied). Bit of
pressure implied in reference to
the ‘permanent five’ members of
the UNSC to act unilaterally in an
even stronger way
7/12/17 Turnbull Speech introducing Speech As it says, introducing this Cyber warfare and globalisation Foreign states are Introduce these laws that Australia’s sovereignty A welcoming and friendly ‘Covert’ and ‘coercive’: “Media “We are not concerned with
the National bill. This is the big speech etc put states more at risk than “exerting improper curb that interference is violated, basically. country – goes to great reports have suggested that the 'soft power', as the term is
Security where Turnbull tacitly ever before of foreign influence over our system Remember that lengths to argue that this Chinese Communist Party has properly understood, as an
Legislation accuses China of foreign interference. Not directly of government and our “To ensure activities are sovereignty is the key isn’t a racist policy: “First, been working to covertly attractive force. If another
Amendment interference. Context is that supporting the premise at this political landscape” exposed to sunlight, component of the we are focused on the interfere with our media, our nation has cultural or economic
(Espionage and there have been media level, but: “The Director- following an extensive ‘rules-based activities of foreign states universities and even the gravitational pull then it
Foreign reports that effectively General [of ASIO] is telling us review by the Attorney- international order’ - and their agents in Australia decisions of elected suggests they are doing
Interference) Bill accuse diasporas (Chinese that the threat we face today is General, we are So as soon as that goes and not the loyalties of representatives right here in this something right and we would
diasporas mostly) of greater than when Soviet agents introducing a new Foreign down the drain, the Australians who happen to building”; these activities are all benefit from being
behaving in an un- penetrated the federal Influence Transparency whole system is liable be from a foreign country. ‘unsustainable’, and breach the involved.” [see notes in ‘key
Australian way, which government during World War Scheme … If a person or to be put severely at There is no place for racism Turnbull govt’s perception of quotes’ below]; “Our
informs some of the II and the early years of the entity engages with the risk. (Which, perhaps, or xenophobia in our what is ‘healthy’ and tenable relationship with China is far
dialogue in the speech Cold War.” Australian political is why this is made to country”. too important to put at risk
landscape on behalf of a seem such a big deal) Not the only ‘bad egg’; Turnbull by failing to clearly set the
foreign state or principal Colourblind / race-blind: calls out Russia too, terms of healthy and
then they must register “Nations and their unsurprisingly sustainable engagement”;
accordingly.” representatives will be “Modern China was founded by
judged by their behaviour in Capable of getting worse, and the statement that Chinese
“Being registered under Australia, not who they are” presenting a risk of getting worse people have stood up. And
the scheme should not be – again, strenuously arguing that Australia can’t tolerate: “In today, and every day, the
seen as any kind of taint. that this isn’t a racially- some cases, authoritarian states Australian people stand up and
And certainly not as a influenced policy. (The have been literally manufacturing assert their sovereignty in our
crime. To the contrary it is point is that this public opinion in order to hijack nation, with our parliament and
applying the basic characterisation is really political discourse and tilt the with our laws.”
principles of disclosure to emphasised/repeated with decision- making landscape to
allow the public and relation to Australia) their advantage.” – not directly
policymakers to assess any referring to China, but the fear-
underlying agenda.” – stoking can only be seen in the
45
type presented
certainly sounds like more Tolerant but with limits; context of the comment on China
bureaucracy, but it’s those limits stop at he makes on the same page as
discursively presented here behaviour from other states this
as being very reasonable that is either “covert,
coercive or corrupt” (so
neatly phrased wow). Those
quotes/words are important
Firm but reasoned, and

‘clear-eyed’? Strong and
willing to independently set
an agenda for engagement.
(See bolded part of second
quote)
Still very much ‘open’, and

also ‘open for business’:
“The purpose of our
counter-foreign interference
strategy is not to close our
borders to people, capital
and ideas but the very
opposite.
We are dealing surgically
with the risks so that we can
sustain the enormous
benefits that flow from our
openness to the world.” –
the whole discourse around
these is about ‘enabling’
rather than ‘restricting’,
about openness and
happiness in general. Flow
goes: fear >>> happiness – a
final comment: “We are
open. We are optimistic. But
we are not naive.”
21/12/17 Bishop Celebrating 45 Media release NB this is the end of the - Australia and China have - - Both a benefactor and - “It is a resilient partnership that
years since the chunk of (schizoid?) “built a relationship that beneficiary from the permits forthright exchanges
establishment of November discourse generates substantial relationship with China when there are differences.”;
diplomatic relations benefits for both sides” “[there is] potential to expand
between Australia NB the discourse of the over the past 45 years. the already thriving academic
and China partnership being ‘resilient’! Partnership is resilient… networks, cultural exchanges
This is a rarely used piece of and personal connections that
discourse in this era, but is link our societies ever-closer
presumably assumed, together.”
otherwise a fair bit of the
discourse coming from
Bishop and Turnbull’s
offices wouldn’t have been
able to happen
18/1/18 Turnbull Address at the Speech Directed at Japanese - - - - - A good trade partner, an essential -
Japan-Australia businesspeople. NB there’s player in controlling North Korea
Business been no discourse on China
Cooperation (officially i.e. at a speech /
Committee Lunch media release level) for a
month, so that’s a
conspicuous gap – one
which would almost
definitely have been filled
with a million interviews.
This doesn’t talk about
foreign interference at all –
literally just about RCEP
(which is still seen as
awesome) and North Korea.
So that’s interesting
26/1/18 Bishop G'Day USA US- Speech Given in LA. Mostly talking - - - - - An ‘economic miracle’. A great -
Australian Dialogue about the primacy of the US beneficiary of the international
on Cooperation in strategically in Asia rules-based order, again…
the Indo-Pacific
46
type presented
1/2/18 Turnbull Keynote Address - Speech Not totally sure who this is - - - - Culturally and socially (and - -
Toowoomba, directed at, but it’s very politically?) defined by its
Queensland economy-focused – likely values: “The best compass
just because this is for that course will always
Turnbull’s vibe. Only be our Australian values;
reference to China is with Freedom, democracy,
reference to ChAFTA, mateship, a fair go, mutual
interestingly respect, the equality of men
and women, the rule of law,
a fair go to get ahead and the
certainty of a helping hand if
you fall behind.”
19/2/18 Bishop King's College Speech Given in London, academic - - - - “optimistic although not An economic miracle. A state “It is vital that China plays a
Menzies Centre audience. complacent about the with a lot of responsibility, constructive role,
Speech future” particularly with a big commensurate with its
References White Paper responsibility for maintaining standing. China has additional
early on. References to regional security – same as a few responsibilities as a permanent
China are about speeches ago…? member of the Security Council
‘responsibiltiy’ – see quote in terms of safeguarding
A “crucial economic power and international peace and security
partner to our region and the – as does the United Kingdom.”
world” – almost identical to a quote
from a few speeches ago?
19/2/18 Bishop Speech at the Speech Focuses on strategic Free trade is awesome - - - - - -
Australia-United relationship between Aus
Kingdom Chamber and UK
of Commerce
References ChAFTA, but
that’s the only substantive
mention of China
21/2/18 Bishop Speech at the Speech THIS QUOTE is crucial: Rules-based order etc - - - - A state with responsibility to Quote highlighted in green is
Hungary Institute “We have elevated defend the rules-based order: almost identical to text quoted
for Foreign Affairs defending, promoting and “With greater power and wealth in 19/2/18a – just interesting to
strengthening the comes responsibility to protect note
international rules based and strengthen the very system
order as our highest which supported that rise.” – so
foreign policy priority.” – also feeding back into the
see ‘key quotes’ below; discourse of ‘you owe the rules-
completes transition to based order, don’t play unfairly’
‘values-based diplomacy’,
arguably
Also references ChAFTA

25/2/18 Turnbull Keynote address to Speech Again, barely anything on - - - - - An investment and infrastructure “We look forward to partnering
the National China. This speech took partner with all countries including the
Governorʼs place in America. There’s a United States, Japan and China
Association annual coded reference to OBOR – on those infrastructure projects
Winter Meeting see quote about that meet the criteria of
‘transparency and fairness’ – transparency, fairness,
which alludes to Australia’s accountability and market
willingness to work with need.”
China regardless of whether
America likes it or not.
2/3/18 Turnbull Speech at the Speech Follows a meeting with NZ - - - - - - -
Australia New PM Arden. Only references
Zealand Leadership RCEP, positively
Forum Lunch
8/3/18 Bishop ASEAN: The nexus Speech Given in New York. - - - - - - -
of the Indo-Pacific - Focusing on the importance
Asia Society Speech of the US to the region, but
not really much mention of
China. Just references the
importance of a strong
China-US alliance, but it’s a
throwaway line. Mostly
focuses on South-East Asia.
Does, however, chide the
US near the end for
threatening ‘trade wars’ etc
– ‘the most important thing
you can do is use the
47
type presented
systems that we’ve already

got in place’. (Interesting
ofc, cos that’s the same
rhetoric Australia was
chiding China for before…)
13/3/18 Bishop ASEAN – Australia Speech Given in Sydney. Nothing The international rules-based - - - - An ‘economic miracle’, see -
Dialogue: closing really substantive on China order etc etc highlight. Also a growing
dinner – interesting how military power, see other
SEA/ASEAN discourse is highlight
always kinda divorced from
China discourse. References
the success of the NCP, but
not directly with relation to
China
16/3/18 Turnbull ASEAN-Australia Speech This literally doesn’t - - - - - - -
SME Conference mention China substantively
at all, despite China being
like a massive player in the
ASEAN region. It’s all
about investment and trade,
too, so you’d think this’d be
a rather essential thing to be
talking about… instead,
Turnbull’s singularly
playing up relations with
ASEAN
18/3/18 Turnbull Enhancing Regional Media release Again, no substantive - - - - A defender of the ‘rules- - “We will uphold our
Collaboration to mention of China at all, based order’ – potentially commitment to the rules-based
Strengthen Our although there is at least a tacitly contrasted with order and international law in
Security and reference to the South China China, but again, no explicit the region, including the South
Prosperity Sea here. The tone of this mention… China Sea.”
reference – and the constant
references to defence
agreements in this release
(as well as the fact that these
defence and information-
sharing agreements now
exist) certainly makes it
seem as if ASEAN and
Austarlia are ‘bloc-ing’
together in order to counter
Chinese influence, but this is
tacit and not a totally
reasonable thing to draw out
of this discourse
NB there’s at least as much

space devoted to defence
and counter-terrorism as
economics, which seems a
little unusual from any
large-L Liberal government
– just worth noting
11/4/18 Bishop La Trobe University Speech Given in Melbourne. Aside from international rules- - - - Defender of the rules-based Playing by the correct rules of “Since the end of the Cold War,
lecture and based order – the US remaining order – I expect this could global free trade: “It’s also in that China has become the greatest
conversation the world’s only superpower apply to many of the cells context that I welcome reports beneficiary of the existing order
into the next decade, which is a where I’ve left dashes overnight President Xi Jinping’s when it opened itself up to the
refrain that comes up more above, too… commitment to trade and world”
often than I’ve noted it. investment openness, with greater
(Implication: playing down access to significant sectors to the
China’s rise?) Chinese economy and the
lowering of tariffs on vehicle
imports.”
A beneficiary of the ‘existing

world order’
28/4/18 Bishop Keynote Address at Speech Mentions both North Korea - - - - A genuine contributor to Nothing really, other than -
the 165th Victorian and ChAFTA. With relation global strategic actions and mentioning ChAFTA and a very
Liberals State to NK, it plays up peace etc. – “Australians brief acknowledgement that they
Council Australia’s role, but not played a significant role in helped bring NK to the
China’s, so that’s interesting the international campaign negotiating table with SK
but not hugely relevant… to exert maximum pressure,
48
type presented
diplomatic, political and

economic on North Korea to
bring North Korea back to
the negotiating table”
16/5/18 Turnbull Budget Lunch Speech Again, only a tiny reference - - - - - A good customer -
hosted by the to China – to ChAFTA, in
Devonport Chamber fact! So nothing we can
of Commerce and draw about China’s
Industry behaviour from this… and
again, it makes it seem like
Turnbull’s gone totally quiet
7/6/18 Turnbull Keynote Speech, Speech Again, very brief reference - - - - - Unusual and a bit rogue in its “On the trade front, we're
Konrad Adenauer to China – this time in the embrace of ‘state capitalism’, but seeing rising tensions between
Stiftung context of its potential for not exactly bad – vague tone of the major powers – focused,
conflict with the US and its unpredictability. But again, very dirigiste [state-controlled] state
unusual state-controlled brief reference capitalism in China, rising
approach to free-market protectionism in the United
economics (which is States - all of which could test
couched as something of a the capacity of the World Trade
‘threat’ to the Organisation to settle disputes
economic/political global based on law and precedent.”
status quo). But this is just
an old argument being
dredged up again; there’s
absolutely nothing on
foreign interference here
49
type presented
50
Notes on Tony Abbott’s discourse:
Consistent themes
Theme Notes
Trade As in 11/4/14: ‘more trade means better friendships’
Trust As above. Trust is built through trade
Liberalism / democracy / liberal- Australia as a mentor; China following the model of
democratic values other Asian states (particularly Korea and Japan).
China will inevitably become more socially liberal
because liberal economies always lead to liberal
social systems
New Colombo Plan ‘Australia has much to learn from Asia’ – these
frame the New Colombo Plan as a gesture towards
mutual understanding
- 11/4/14: “The New Colombo Plan is our way
to honour the cultures of Asia.”
MH370 A symbol of international, cross-cultural cooperation
- Unifying people in tragedy: “You [the
Chinese people] will be among sorrowing
friends should you choose to come to
Australia.”
Investment Chinese investment in Australia is couched
universally as a good thing. Crucially, it’s framed
as a sign of trust
- Including from Chinese state-owned
enterprises! See quote from 11/4/14
Australia’s natural resources As an economic asset that encourages good
relationship-building
China as a customer Its central quality?
China’s un-democraticness There’s another point here that Abbott praises China
whenever he thinks it’s getting closer to democratic-
ness in some way. That’s why 17/11/14c was so
glowing and dramatic
Consistent terms/keywords
Term Notes
‘Free trade agreement’ Mostly in terms of the China-Australia FTA
(ChAFTA)
‘Open for business’ Characterising Australia – intersecting with his
government’s domestic neoliberal policy platform
‘Democracy’ As in ‘themes’, above
‘Trust’ As in ‘themes’, above. The frequency with which
it’s used contrasts with the tenor of Turnbull-era
discourse
51
‘Customer(s)’ The ‘customer’ discourse is different from the
‘friend’ one… NB where it’s used in 10/6/14, in the
context of a speech about America
‘economic miracle’ Describing China. Acts as a case study defending the
merits of liberalism
‘South China Sea’ Hardly mentioned, and not mentioned in a
particularly specific or risk-forward way when it is.
It’s clear that Abbott doesn’t think it’s critically
important at this point in time
‘[lifted into] the middle class’ One way of describing China’s ‘economic miracle’,
and how for Abbott it exemplifies a neoliberalism
success story
‘friend’ Typically used in aspirational terms – i.e. Australia
‘seeks’ to be a friend to China? The implied positive
tone contrasts with the tenor of Turnbull-era
discourse
Expansion on some key quotes noted above
Quote Found in Notes

“The best response to those who fear 7/4/14 - NB the connection between
that North Asia is doomed to a cold Address to the trade and trust made explicit
peace or worse is that more trade Japan Chamber here…
means more understanding and more of Commerce
understanding means less tension.” and Industry,
Tokyo
“More trade means more friends … “” Trade = an indication that one
trade builds trust” party respects and trusts the
other, not just the quality of
their products but their
likelihood to abide by their
mutual agreement
“For Australia, the tyranny of distance “” Rhetoric of opportunity!
has given way to the advantage of Interesting in the context of
proximity” Abbott’s historic explicit
support for Anglospheric
discourse…
“We are not in the wrong region, we “” A direct discursive counter to a
are in the right one” bunch of Anglosphere
arguments! As above…
“Just as the friendships between our 17/11/14a Obvious why this is important.
cities and states have flourished, our It’s like he’s actually trying to
national friendship and cooperation has directly answer my research
grown and prospered” question
“Yes, Australia and China have “” The next line was: “We are
different systems of government; one is testament to the saying that a
a young country, and the other an wise man seeks harmony, not
ancient one being renewed; but we conformity.” – what this quote
have become a model of how peoples elucidates is this tension
between Abbott’s discourse that
52
and two countries can complement China and Australia are getting
each other” on well because they share
neoliberal values, and that China
and Australia are getting on well
in spite of the fact that they
don’t share neoliberal models of
government. So it’s unclear
exactly what he means by
‘complement’ here – is this just
another reference to how
economics overcomes
culture…?
“Many years ago, a Chinese writer 17/11/14c Demonstrates the seemingly
observed that “Chinese wedding, profound effect that Xi saying
funeral and birthday customs may China would eventually become
differ from those of the Western democratic had on Abbott…
world”, but fundamentally, said o
writer, “love, sorrow and happiness are
the same everywhere”. Our countries
are different, our customs and system
of government are different – although
as we heard from the President, they
are to converge – but the hearts of our
people are not different, nor their hopes
for their lives and their families”
It is because we all seek prosperity and
seek happiness that our governments
can find so much common ground.
Other notes:
- Overall: what’s interesting about 2013-2014’s discourse is how incredibly friendly it
is. But that friendship appears just a little bit conditional – based on premises of
shared values through liberalism…
- ‘Australia Week in China’ – starting 8/4/2014 – promoted Australian business in
China, but worth pointing out that a lot of that business is kind of vaguely cultural; i.e.
wines and restaurants. A big part of the whole thing is a) dairy and b) ‘food and wine
experiences’
- 25/3/14: FOCUS ON CHINA’S INCREASING LIBERALISM. Abbott is tacitly
pitching Australia as a liberal ‘mentor’ to China. Basically saying: Australia and
China have shared values as long as China continues to become more liberal – ‘as
liberalism spreads from China’s economy to other elements of China’
o Which is interesting just from a liberalist theoretical perspective; it assumes
that liberalist economics inevitably lead to liberal cultur
▪ BUT that’s also hugely important when considering how Australia
interprets Chinese culture today. Because China has a ‘distinct’
system, which isn’t liberal (and which Xi has openly said isn’t liberal),
Australia perhaps can’t rely on that mode of cooperation anymore
o The tone here is slightly condescending, which is worth noting
- Early April, 2014: Abbott embarks on a long diplomatic around Asia, which is
focused on relationship-building and friendship-building both through and for the
53
sake of trade. This is almost a sub-‘era’ unto itself, since the discourse is relatively
distinct and particularly friendly
- 9/6/2014 showcases that Abbott still believes in the ‘primacy’ of the Anglosphere; his
language towards Canada is more friendly than anything towards China. Also, they
talk more about defence cooperation in this speech
o With China, Abbott’s trying to make friends. With Canada, they are friends
- All peripheral references to China have to do with the yet-to-be-signed FTA… in
other words, when Abbott isn’t directly talking about China as a state, he’s only
talking about China as a customer
- A summative collection of critical points:
o Trade and mutual investment are signs of friendship and trust, and friendship
and trust lead to trade and mutual investment. Trade transcends cultural
differences
o Abbott sees China as becoming more holistically liberal, which gives the two
states common cultural norms
o Australia is framed as a key export partner for the region as well as a ‘liberal
mentor’
54
Notes on Julie Bishop’s discourse – Abbott era:
Consistent themes
Theme Notes
South China Sea Note the tone of frustration and unhelpfulness.
References to the SCC are usually counterbalanced
with references to what a great economic partner
China is
North Korea Not ever invoked with direct reference to how China
might help mediate the situation
Optimism Tied up in this are assumptions that there could be a
deteriorating relationship, or that the relationship has
previously been difficult…
[Chinese] foreign investment Point is that all foreign investment is seen as great,
and Chinese foreign investment is no less great.
Very few references to conditionality
Free trade agreement As above, with notes on Abbott-era discourse
China’s ‘unpredictability’ In part because there is ‘no precedent to draw upon’.
This alludes to a bigger phenomenon – that China is
so culturally and socially (and politically) unique
that it can’t realistically be seen as just another
capitalist state rising. But Bishop doesn’t address
this, because her whole discourse is premised on
liberal ideology…
- Perhaps clearest in 30/5/14 – it’s an
undercurrent running through lots of her
other speeches, but this is where she really
articulates this principle of uncertainty that
actually underpins a lot of Australia’s FP on
China. Otherwise, perhaps, it would be much
more confident engaging with China as a
legitimate ‘friend’?
o Returning to the whole ‘fear of
China’ discourse…?
Consistent terms/keywords
Term Notes
‘Economic diplomacy’ See ‘expansion on key quotes’, below
‘New Colombo Plan’ Described as a “signature foreign policy of the
Abbott government” in 16/5/14…
- Could be argued that govt in this era was
therefore already pursuing a culture-focused
diplomacy strategy…
- NB in this same speech, Bishop points out
how it also benefits China: “It also aligns
with China’s own objective to increase its
55
overseas student numbers to half a million by
2020. It’s yet another example of how, by
working together, both our nations benefit”.
Made to seem ‘positive-sum’…
o Further to this: “But, like the
scholarships that will be funded by
ACRI - by this institute, the New
Colombo Plan is about so much more
than just education. It is public
diplomacy at its very best. New
Colombo Plan scholar will be
ambassadors for our country –
building friendship, understanding
and goodwill with their
contemporaries.”
o “By living, working and studying in
China [Australian students] will come
to understand more about Chinese
culture and language. That
understanding is vital to the future of
our relationship and to Australia’s
own success in the 21st century”
- “this is a foreign policy initiative” –
16/5/14b
‘tensions’ The use of the word ‘tensions’ avoids unilaterally
placing blame on China for escalating anything in
the South China Sea (or elsewhere). It’s a very
different tone to the use of a word like ‘provocation’
– and it seems to be much more commonly used in
this era of foreign policy than anything else
- This word – along with the word ‘challenges’
– is perhaps a deliberate attempt not to
deliberately toe a US-centric/’China-as-a-
rule-flouter’ discursive line
‘ANZUS’ Framed as absolutely indispensable to Australian
national security
‘economic miracle’ (or similar?) As with Abbott
‘rules-based international order’ Chinese political power is welcomed as long as it
meets the conditions of ‘abiding by the rules-based
international order’…
- One thing to ask federal politicans about
would be the extent to which China abides by
the ‘rules-based international order’
This is from 30/5/14: “there is now an established

international order, pinned together by vast, inter-
connected webs of commerce, bilateral relationships
and post-war institutions like the United Nations and
the WTO, and more recently the G20, underpinned
by international standards and international law.
56
Australia values this global rules-based order.” – so
one of the things that’s going on here is Bishop’s
saying that there can be no alternative to this order –
it’s this order or it’s no order
Also interesting: it’s never really made clear how
exactly China’s expected to be at risk of flouting the
‘rules-based international order’… (probably
connected to the fact that there’s effectively no
direct discourse referencing the South China Sea)
MH370 Always as an example of how Australia and China
can get on, and be helpfully cooperative with one
another – “a model of regional and international
cooperation” (16/5/14)
Expansion on some key quotes noted above
Key quotes Found in Notes

“economic diplomacy” 30/10/13 Bishop claims this is the model
on which all of her govt’s
diplomacy is going to be based:
- “If economic growth and
poverty reduction are to
be long-lasting, we need
to support functioning
states and a strong and
growing private sector to
ensure job opportunities
… where economic
development has been
uneven, aid is a vehicle
to re-establishing and
supporting viable
functioning states. But
this fact remains: the
need created by poverty
is always going to dwarf
the available bucket of
overseas development
assistance, so we must
absolutely leverage
private sector
investment to get
results and work
towards broader
economic reform which
will help make growth
and poverty reduction
permanent in our partner
countries.”
57
o “If the goal of
traditional
diplomacy is
peace, then the
goal of economic
diplomacy is
prosperity.”
- Therefore, the Abbott
govt’s diplomacy
strategy is meant to be
based on achieving
economic reform in other
states. Which makes it
really relevant that they
keep stressing China’s
identity as a ‘neoliberal
success story’. China is
a model for what
Australia wants to try
and help achieve in
other states
- “The Government's
approach of economic
diplomacy brings our aid
program together with
our foreign and trade
policy priorities in the
pursuit of broader
economic development,
which will not only
support prosperity and
growth in Australia but
of course in the wider
region.” – example of a
bridge being built in
Vietnam which Bishop
claims is an example of
how economic
diplomacy works – it
builds friendships by
materially helping other
states’ economies to
grow
- Interesting to note that
the ‘agenda’ for
economic diplomacy
was only ‘officially’
launched in August
2014, whereas the first
58
speech that references it
is in late 2013…6
- This quote: “Australia
has always taken a clear-
eyed, commercial
approach to our links
with foreign
governments” (in 6/3/14)
– that’s particularly
pragmatic engagement
- From 18/8/18 (the
‘launch’ of the economic
diplomacy policy
platform): “Economic
diplomacy is an
overarching principle
that puts strong
economic outcomes at
the centre of our foreign,
trade, investment,
tourism and
development assistance
policies”
“Just as/if the aim of traditional 6/3/14; 17/3/14 Interesting because the exact
diplomacy is peace, the aim of same quote is repeated
economic diplomacy is prosperity”
“China’s growth has contributed to the 28/3/14 This discourse summarises
growing prosperity of the region. And Bishop’s idea of creating peace
where prosperity grows, peace and through ‘economic diplomacy’.
stability follow.”
[something akin to] ‘How we handle 28/3/14, among Similar to the ‘tension’
the challenges presented by China’s others discourse – it’s going to some
rise is very important’ lengths to not place any
responsibility on China or
suggest it’s at fault for anything
“Australia does not need to choose 28/3/4, among Again, interesting because it’s
between its history and its geography” others repeated
“China and Australia are partners and 16/5/14 Elucidates Bishop’s optimism
while our relationship is underpinned about how the Australia-China
by economics, it is not defined by it” relationship can get deeper…
i.e. right now it’s still very
‘pragmatic’, but it doesn’t have
to be so
6
“Economic Diplomacy: DFAT’s Role in Trade and Investment,” Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
accessed June 15, 2018, http://dfat.gov.au/trade/engage/economic-diplomacy/pages/dfats-role-in-trade-
investment.aspx; “Portrait of a Minister: Julie Bishop’s Economic Diplomacy,” The Strategist, April 15, 2014,
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/portrait-of-a-minister-julie-bishops-economic-diplomacy/. Second link here
might be a good resource, because it links to an analysis of the minister’s first 43 speeches that agrees she
focuses this heavily on ‘economic diplomacy’
59
Other notes
- Foreign investment: in 17/3/14, Bishop advocates for as much Chinese foreign

investment as possible. Interesting in the context of today’s political discourse (2018)
- All the government’s ‘cultural’ eggs are placed in the New Colombo Plan basket…
- References to the South China Sea, at least as of early 2014, don’t place any blame on
China – at their most accusatory, they frame territorial issues around those islands as
an inevitable result of China’s ‘rise’, and at their least accusatory, they refer only to
‘tensions’ and ‘challenges’ which are pre-extant and independent of any one country
- On 30/5/14, and the ‘two Chinas’: the dichotomy here is between a) a China that
simultaneously embraces neoliberalism and the ‘rules-based international order’, and
consequently does well for itself and the world; or b) a China that doesn’t embrace
neoliberalism and the ‘rules-based international order’, and as a consequence of
consequently not doing so well itself, gets hostile towards the rest of the world. She’s
not conceiving of any scenario where China both a) does well for itself and b) doesn’t
embrace neoliberalism and the rules-based international order
o One key point here is that Bishop places ‘soft power’ very firmly in the
‘positives’ category. Would she do that again today…? She also places
‘Chinese nationalism’ very firmly in the ‘negatives’ category… the thing
about Chinese (particularly diaspora-focused…) ‘soft power’ is that it actually
depends on an element of nationalism (see: most Chinese-authored literature
on Chinese ‘soft power’)
o She does also explicitly say: “I certainly doubt we will see a complete
realisation of either scenario I have outlined” – which is a useful qualifier. But
it doesn’t negate the problems inherent in this obvious dichotomy
60
Notes on Malcolm Turnbull’s discourse:
Consistent themes
Theme Notes
‘Market’ Referring to China as a crucial market. (Word used
less often in Abbott-era speeches?)
RCEP / Regional Comprehensive Very crudely, this is China’s alternative to the TPP.
Economic Partnership The increased focus on this seems to be partly in
response to the demise of the TPP, but the TPP
wasn’t mentioned that often during the Abbott era,
so still interesting
Until at least the end of 2017, Turnbull’s incredibly

supportive of RCEP – basically works according to
the philosophy of ‘any free trade agreement is a
good free trade agreement’. The fact that China is
likely to have a powerful/influential role in shaping
it doesn’t seem to matter much, even after SCS
discourse escalates in mid-2017…
South China Sea Hostility around SCS starts to escalate around 2/7/17
North Korea There’s a phase where NK is particularly important,
as a consequence of the fact that there was a phase
where it was conducting many missile tests –
roughly July-September 2017
See notes below in ‘other notes’ on the progression
of this discourse
‘Rules-based order’/’regional order’ These refer to anything that alludes to the status quo
of power relations in the region and/or the world
OBOR / One Belt One Road Not overly criticised, certainly not openly praised…
Foreign interference First comes up in 7/12/17, and China is specifically
referenced – but it seems to come from nowhere; the
foreign policy white paper announcement speech
doesn’t address this, for example
Key quotes Found in Notes

“we want to see China fill the 2/7/17 See notes in table referring to
leadership role it desires in a way this speech, and the quotes that
which strengthens the regional order follow. Key here is an apparent
that has served us all so well.” assumption that China’s
interests are actually different to
the interests of all other states in
the region
Abbott and Bishop’s
philosophies in the Abbott era
would say that economic
liberalism – and free trade –
61
leads directly to peace and
prosperity, so economic
liberalism is a sufficient mode
of ‘shared philosophy’ to keep
two countries strategically
harmonised. But the discourse in
this speech totally runs counter
to that…
“We are not concerned with 'soft 7/12/18 Key phrase here is “as the term
power', as the term is properly is properly understood”! The
understood, as an attractive force. If strong implication here is that
another nation has cultural or economic China cannot possibly do soft
gravitational pull then it suggests they power / it cannot possibly be
are doing something right and we doing ‘correct’ soft power
would all benefit from being because the whole idea of
involved.” ‘properly understood’ soft
power goes against the nature of
China’s political system
Other notes
- No speeches from the time he took the prime ministership until July 2016… speeches
from Bishop covered this era, and still articulated a shift in discursive tone
- Worth noting that the vast majority of discourse that has to do with actual
collaborative events between Australia and China refers to events/moments that
facilitate trade or economic cooperation… there’s certainly nothing ‘cultural’ that
comes up with any regularity
- On North Korea: discourse is irritable and frustrated until China unilaterally
implements a large round of its own sanctions on North Korea, at which point
Turnbull’s rhetoric transforms to being first surprised, and then satisfied and much
quieter. Culminates in praise given in 23/11/17
- NB the near-total lack of discourse on China from December ’17 through May ’18 –
he unleashes the foreign interference rhetoric… or, alternatively, simply disengages
with the issue?
- Some other critical points:
o Early on (2016-early 2017), Turnbull doesn’t talk about China often at all.
When he does, it’s homogenised into Asia, referred to generally as just ‘the
biggest market in Asia’…
o Discourse around China as a central threatening interlocutor in the SCS begins
around February 2017
o Foreign policy white paper launch – Turnbull clearly articulates that since
Australia is a value-centric state, its foreign policy must be value-centric. This
is a big rhetorical change from the Abbott era. Abbott (more accurately,
Bishop in Abbott’s era): ‘Foreign policy is economic-focused’. Turnbull:
‘Foreign policy must be value-focused’. (paraphrased)
▪ And the focus on values actually presents significantly more challenges
for Australia’s relationship with China than the focus on ‘economics
first’… Because if Australia focuses on exporting (or, at least,
promoting or upholding) its own political and social values in its
62
foreign policy (and the two are inextricably linked when you’re dealing
with a state like China, which wouldn’t define ‘human rights abuses’ in
the same way as Australia, for instance), it’s generating a lot more
potential for political conflict than a straightforward focus on
economics would do
63
Notes on Julie Bishop’s discourse – Turnbull era:
Consistent themes
Theme Notes
AIIB / Asia Infrastructure At the start of this period, couched as a “potentially
Investment Bank valuable [contribution] to peace and prosperity that
should strengthen the global order” (14/10/15)
South China Sea By the start of this period, Bishop is definitively
unhappy with China’s actions in the SCS
The first time she actually references China as being
responsible for
militarisation/construction/development in the SCS,
however, is 26/1/17 –interesting that it took this
long, and that she chose to do it in such close
proximity to her comparatively hostile Singapore
speech. (China was becoming more belligerent in
the SCS over this period of time, but there was no
marked change in their behaviour at exactly this
moment…)
Agility / innovation / flexibility Buzzwords that describe how foreign policy ought to
be able to adapt to constantly changing global
circumstances. I don’t think these came up very
much in the Abbott era
NB because Abbott-era foreign policy (‘economic

diplomacy’) was relatively structured and clearly
articulated, it had less room to be ‘agile’, perhaps.
But it’s interesting that these are Turnbull’s words
that seem to have been adopted by Bishop.
- NB on this: 19/10/17 clarifies that Bishop is
still committed to ‘economic diplomacy’,
although it seems to mean something
different in this era – more ‘diplomacy
focused on trade’ than ‘diplomacy through
trade’
China as an ‘economic miracle’ Used in a similar context to in Abbott’s era
ChAFTA Interesting note: “We have a new Ambassador in
Beijing, Jan Adams, who would be well-known to a
number of you as our lead negotiator for the China
Australia Free Trade Agreement” (2/3/16).
Reinforces how focused the government is on trade
as a top priority vis-à-vis its China diplomacy
China as a ‘customer’ or ‘market’ Used in a similar context to in Abbott’s era
New Colombo Plan (NCP) Referenced less often! No longer so
straightforwardly a ‘signature’ foreign policy
(although it is described in these terms on one
occasion)
64
‘Economic diplomacy’ On how ‘economic diplomacy’ works: “Our
missions are charged with preparing the equivalent
of a corporate business plan to set out how they
would increase the trade, investment and economic
ties between the country in which they are situated
and Australia” (2/3/16)
‘values’ / ‘values-based’ With relation to Australian foreign policy and its
fundamental principles – constantly referenced, in a
different manner to in Abbott’s era. Abbott-era
discourse used it only to describe instances where
Australia and China shared values, whereas Bishop
and Turnbull in this era use it to describe the nature
of Australia’s more assertive foreign policy…
North Korea In Bishop’s discourse, China’s role in resolving the
conflict actually hardly ever comes up. An
interesting divergence between her and Turnbull
Foreign Policy White Paper A framing tool for a collection of speeches that are
all given towards the end of 2017
Key quotes
Quote Found in Notes

“We have elevated defending, 21/2/18 Explicitly says what Bishop’s
promoting and strengthening the been alluding to for a while. At
international rules based order as our this point, the transition from
highest foreign policy priority.” ‘economic diplomacy’ to
‘values-based diplomacy’
appears complete, even if she
might not admit it…
Other notes
- The rush of speeches on foreign policy in October ’15 might be coincidental, but it
appears like Bishop’s writing a new foreign policy manifesto for the Turnbull era…
o Enormous number of speeches happening in November ’17, too – framed
loosely around the Foreign Policy White Paper (released December 2017)
- Early on in this discourse, there seems to be a transition from referencing the
‘benefits’ of China’s surging economy to the world, to talking about the ‘risks’ of
China’s slowing economy to the world. In other words: it’s now less about the world
benefiting from China, and more about the fact that the world is now dependent on
China…
- ‘Values-based’ foreign policy discourse begins in late 2015. Note the change from the
Abbott-era discourse of ‘economics only’ – ‘values’ are added to the discourse, but
are critically disruptive enough in their own right that they begin to cloud the
legitimacy of the rest of their economics-focused discourse
65

Appendix O.B - Discourse Analysis Referenced in Chapter 2

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Appendix O.B - Discourse Analysis Referenced in Chapter 2

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Cultural Diplomacy in the (sub)National

Interest?: A comparative analysis of

Supervisor: Dr. Allan Patience

- Topic: what is the discourse about?

Abbott government begins: 18/9/13

Interesting to note that this

Also: not related directly to

Business Council economic relationship PNG] translates to about

both within but not ‘of’ the global relationship is going to be

about it.”; “overall the

9-10 April for the Bo’ao strategic interests will be the

Australia has never rejected

about ‘encouraging it to be a A state that’s taking positive encourage China to play a

Mentions NCP and

Also NB: assumption

more than one centre of

Also as an ‘economic miracle’ live, study and work in China to

Also: “Economic diplomacy is

General Assembly, countries have a place in

China have different systems of

NB all this ‘we can help

Mentions China FTA, but

27/2/15 Abbott Address to Speech Relatively self-explanatory. - - - - - - -

Note how all the speeches

pretend there aren’t challenges.

reference is the only

Abbott deposed – Turnbull government begins: 15/9/15

institutions and states should in the existing global financial

outcome in its own right, so trade agreement with our

Although, nothing else done

and throughout the

China (from September 4- welcome the Hangzhou agenda

NB: that this is the last piece

China, South Korea, Japan and

12/12/16 Bishop Australia-China Media release Nothing substantive on - - - - - - -

Doesn’t specifically call out

importance) as part it’s a threat, but it’s not

shows democracy and

A state that will inevitably, one

take place following this training and cultural

they weren’t going to

something akin to ‘cultural’ Colombo Plan – it’s the “ATN

autonomously to (partly) ‘different political Korea.” – followed by a

Language is similar to, but

South China Sea” – strong

Also an advocate and

quickly to implement these China has unique economic

“one of the wisest in pursuit of short-term question remains unresolved.”

Lauds the NCP, in the

Nothing really substantive

few months don’t really powerful. (Homogenising, We unequivocally put our

happening (i.e. its

A defender of the international

intersection of our national

Firm but reasoned, and

Still very much ‘open’, and

Also references ChAFTA

systems that we’ve already

NB there’s at least as much

A beneficiary of the ‘existing

diplomatic, political and

Expansion on some key quotes noted above

Quote Found in Notes