How China's policies are made
Summary
China’s growth is mediated, regulated, overseen and guided by a wide array of policymakers, institutions, rules, and bodies, all of whom reform and guide China’s economy and help China interact with the region and the world. This program will pull back the curtain to reveal what and who is behind this complex economic, social and political system.
Despite considerable public interest in China, there is still little knowledge about how policy decisions are made. This program will build greater Australian capacity to analyse China’s economy, finance and business, social policies and defence. Participants will examine how Chinese policies are made, who makes them, and how disputes are resolved.
Join us on this course in two sessions, including the opportunity to work on a project tailored to your professional interest that will be completed through the course for submission after the program.
Dates and format for this course are still being finalised. Contact csee@anu.edu.au for further information.
Refer PDF at bottom for detailed course schedule. Group discounts available, contact us.
Course overview
Almost every public policy decision made today has a China dimension to it. Therefore, knowledge of Chinese policymaking is an essential qualification in the effective fulfillment of public servants’ responsibilities. Without a deeper understanding of policymaking within China, misunderstandings with severe implications can impact the decisions of Australian public servants, business, security, defence, and media communities as well as the greater Australian public.
This program will pull back the curtain to reveal what and who is behind this complex economic and political system. Current and future Australian decision makers will be provided with the knowledge and tools to make more informed and better public policy related to the bilateral relationship.
Over two intensive periods, participants will learn how Chinese policies are made, who makes them, and how disputes over them are resolved. Each session will be unique, with in-depth tutorials and participant-led discussions about how Chinese policies are constructed and implemented.
By the end of the program, participants will have the knowledge and the tools to understand not only how policies in China are made, but also will have developed their own framework of Chinese policymaking which they can apply in their own relevant area of work.
Core topics:
The course is divided into several sessions covering such topics as: public & private ownership in China, social-welfare policymaking, minority policy, financial and banking institutions, military-civilian integration, technological policy and Chinese foreign policy.
Each session will include a presentation by relevant experts including academics, researchers, senior public servants and business leaders. Each presentation will be followed by participant-led workshops facilitated by presenters and program academic leads.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the actors involved in Chinese policymaking.
- Understand the process by which policies are made at all levels of government
- Apply knowledge in research relevant to field.
- Be able to discuss Chinese economic decision making with a clear framework and knowledge base.
- Gain a deeper understanding and be able to critically analyse, discuss and debate China’s changing role in the world and relations with other states.
Who should attend?
This program is designed for mid/senior level public servants whose work duties would be aided by a more informed understanding of the peculiarities of Chinese policymaking. Australian government will be able to make more accurate assessments of China’s policy strategies and realise Australia’s interests in its engagement on all areas including trade, the environment, healthcare, energy and education. Participants should be prepared to frame their particular interest in Chinese policy in conjunction with their employer, with the aim to complete a research project related to that interest.
It is also suitable for participants in not-for-profits and media industry. Participants will be able to provide better analysis of Chinese policy announcements, providing the public with more informed understanding of the country and its policies.
Indicative assessment
Details of the final assessment will be provided on the course home page. Participants are supported to think about the course content in relation to their area of professional interest, producing a tailored 3000 word research project to be submitted in early December.
Course convenor
Ryan Manuel
Asia Global Institute, The University of Hong Kong
Ryan Manuel is Director of Policy Research, and a former Asia Global Fellow, at Asia Global Institute. He was previously an academic at Oxford University and The Australian National University, a Senior China Analyst with the Australian government and a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Dr. Manuel’s most recent work is a book called How to Rule in China, which created large databases of Chinese government and Party documentation and other primary source material in order to analyze how rules are made and followed in various parts of the Chinese political system. He holds a doctorate from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Course presenter(s)
- Jan Adams (Former Ambassador of Australia to the People’s Republic of China, DFAT)
- Peter Cai (Group Chief Advisor, Virgin Australia)
- Michael Clarke (National Security College, ANU)
- John Edwards (Senior Fellow, Lowy Institute)
- Jane Golley (Director, Australian Centre on China in the World, ANU)
- Troy Hey (Executive General Manager, MMG Ltd)
- Paul Hubbard (International Economic Unit, PM&C)
- Bradley Jones (Head, International Department Reserve Bank of Australia)
- Andy Kennedy (Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU)
- Elly Lawson (FAS, North Asia Division, DFAT)
- John Lord (Chairman, Huawei Australia)
- Richard McGregor (Senior Fellow, Lowy Institute)
- Meghan Quinn (Deputy Secretary, Macroeconomic Group, Treasury)
- Helen Sawczak (CEO, Australia China Business Council)
- Jiao Wang (University of Melbourne)
Updated: 7 December 2024/Responsible Officer: Crawford Engagement/Page Contact: CAP Web Team