Navigating Chinese Identity in Australia in the 21st Century

In recent times, people with Chinese heritage living in Australia have experienced a politicisation of their identity due to the changing dynamics of Australia’s relationship with China.

Australia and China marked 50 years of formal diplomatic relations at the end of 2022. While bilateral relations have suffered severe strains over the past few years, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s welcome of the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang, in June 2024 was the first Australian visit by a Chinese Premier since 2017.

This talk will consider how Chinese identity in Australia is punctuated by politics and history. Dr Hsu will draw on her own personal and research experiences to reflect on what it means to be of Chinese heritage in Australia today.

The Chinese Australian Historical Society, in conjunction with the State Library of New South Wales, cordially invites you to:

The Annual Henry Chan Lecture 2024 delivered by Dr Jennifer Hsu “Navigating Chinese Identity in Australia in the 21st Century”.

Dr Jennifer Hsu is a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Social Policy and Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. Jennifer was most recently a Research Fellow and Project Director of the Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project at the Lowy Institute. She is the author of the Lowy Institute's Being Chinese in Australia: Public Opinion in Chinese Communities.

After completing her PhD in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge, she researched and taught in development studies, political science and sociology in universities in North America and the UK. Her research expertise broadly covers China's state-society relations, state-NGO relations, civil society, the internationalisation of Chinese NGOs, Australia-China relations and diaspora studies and she has published widely in these areas. She makes regular contributions to Australian and international media outlets.

Date: Tuesday 23 July 2024

Time: 6.00-8.00 pm

Venue: Dixson Room, entry via the Mitchell Library building at the State Library of NSW

Cost: FREE

Booking on Eventbrite is essential, whether attending in person or via Zoom. The link will be forwarded to those attending the lecture via Zoom closer to the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

State Library of New South Wales, Dixson Room, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney, Australia