Roundtable Discussion
The Australia-China relationship: Insights from Beijing
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Location: Winthrop Hall, The University of Western Australia
This event forms part of a focused dialogue series and is open to invited participants. Registration is required.
Event details
On 21 October 2025, the Perth USAsia Centre was pleased to host a roundtable discussion with H.E. Scott Dewar, Australia’s Ambassador to China. 
China is one of Australia’s most important economic partners, as well as playing a central role in broader regional prosperity. At the same time, the relationship has faced periods of tension, reflecting differing perspectives and complex strategic dynamics. 
As the Indo-Pacific continues to evolve and broader geopolitical tensions rise, getting the relationship with China right will be essential to Australia’s future – not only for our economic wellbeing, but for our broader role in the region and the world.
Ambassador Dewar provided a timely range of insights from Beijing, answering queries on the resource relationship, critical and emerging technology, diaspora relations, and China’s regional approach.
Guest speaker
Scott Dewar commenced as Australian Ambassador to China in January 2024. A senior career officer within the Australian Public Service, he was most recently Deputy Secretary International and Security in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Previously, Scott has served in the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has also worked in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Minister for Defence.
A Northeast Asia expert, Scott speaks Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. During his diplomatic career he has served in Seoul, Beijing, and as Consul-General in Honolulu. Scott is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and has a master’s degree from Monash University.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
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