China Matters is pleased to invite you to “Rethinking China” with Bill Birtles, an in-person event on 24 February with the ABC’s most recent China Correspondent. This is the inaugural lecture in our 2021 Sydney Lecture Series: Rethinking China. Each month, the series will feature speakers of diverse expertise and background with the aim to inject breadth and depth into the public discussion about China.

We have asked Bill to describe how he sees the People’s Republic of China (PRC); why he sees the PRC as he does, and on that basis share his thoughts on what kind of China strategy Australia should pursue in the medium to long-term. In light of PRC officials’ constant criticism of Australian media we have also asked Bill to talk about the media’s role in the bilateral relationship and the credibility of the Australian media in its reporting on PRC events.

Well-known political thinker, Professor John Keane will moderate the event.

The event will also feature pre- and post-lecture musical performances by Sydney Meya Conservatorium of Music artists. Cris She will be playing the Guzheng together with Erhu performer Ashley Siu.

We look forward to welcoming you on 24 February. Tickets are limited and registration is essential.

About the speakers

Bill Birtles worked as the ABC correspondent in the People’s Republic of China from 2015 to 2020. His abrupt departure from Beijing under pressure from PRC authorities made headlines in September last year. Bill, a Mandarin speaker, is currently writing a book about China.

John Keane is Professor of Politics at the University of Sydney and at the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin (WZB), and Distinguished Professor at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. He founded and directs the Sydney Democracy Network.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, China Matters actively implements measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and create a safe working environment for its employees and guests. We work with event venues to ensure compliance with government advice on public gatherings. China Matters will continue to monitor and act on relevant health advice from the NSW Government in relation to COVID-19.