From 20 to 22 August 2018, a NISCSS delegation led by President Wu Shicun visited various renowned think tanks and research institutes in Australia including the Lowy Institute, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) atthe University of Wollongong (UOW), Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) of the Australian National University (ANU) and Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) for academic exchanges.

On 20 August, President Wu visited the Lowy Institute, a leading independent think tank focusing on the studies of political, strategic and economic issues shaping global trends from an Australian perspective. There, Dr. Wu spoke on a public forum themed “China, Asia and Australia in the South China Sea”, which was hosted by Lowy Institute’s Senior Fellow Richard McGregor. In his speech, Dr. Wu analyzed the status quo and future development of the South China Sea, and elaborated on China’s South China Sea policy as well as the consultation and negotiation of the code of conduct (COC). He also had an in-depth discussion with other speakers and the audience present at the forum on issues such as Australia’s interference in the South China Seadispute, the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific and regional security order, China-Australia relations and the Belt and Road Initiative. Fellow speakers ofthis Forum included Linda Jakobson, the founding director of China Matters, and Benjamin Schreer, Professor of Macquarie University. More than one hundred audiences were present at this event.

On 21 August, President Wu visited the ANCORS, a university-based centre dedicated to research, education and training on ocean law, maritime security and natural marine resource management as well as policy development consultation service to government agencies within and beyond Australia. Stuart Kaye, Director of the Centre introduced the educational programs, international cooperative projects and research achievements of ANCORS in recent years. The delegation then visited the facilities of the Centre and exchanged views with the research staff of the Centre on issues such as maritime delimitation, fisheries management and future collaboration between the NISCSS and ANCORS.         

On 22 August, President Wu visited the SDSC and ASPI. At each institute, a roundtable discussion was held respectively focusing on issues of South China Sea. Scholars from China and Australia exchanged views on a variety of topics of mutual concerns such as both countries’South China Sea policies, the impact of Indo-Pacific Strategy, freedom of navigation, the Philippines initiated Arbitration, “militarization” of South China Sea as well as COC consultation and negotiation.

SDSC is one of Australia’s most famed academic institutes for strategic studies, education and commentary with a regional specialization in Asia. ASPI is an independent think tank providing policy development advice to Australian leaders on strategy and defence.

On 20 August 2018, President Wu visited the Lowy Institute and spoke at a Lowy-hosted public forum themed “China, Asia and Australia in the South China Sea”. 

On 20 August 2018, President Wu visited the Lowy Institute and spoke at a Lowy-hosted public forum themed “China, Asia and Australia in the South China Sea”. 

On 21 August 2018, President Wu visited the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong (UOW).

On 22 August 2018, President Wu visited the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) of the Australian National University(ANU). 

On 22 August 2018, President Wu visited the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) of the Australian National University(ANU). 

On 22 August 2018, President Wu visited the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). 

On 22 August 2018, President Wu visited the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).