MINISTER for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham officially opened the Australian Centre on China in the World building today, saying it would deepen the already strong ties between the two countries.

“Now is an exciting time as we seize the incredible job and economic opportunities from the historic China Australia Free Trade Agreement,” Simon said.

“The multi-disciplinary research to be undertaken by the Australian Centre on China in the World will deepen understanding between our two countries and complement key Australian Government initiatives, such as the Endeavour Awards and the New Colombo Plan, which are already fostering greater global interaction between our scholars and researchers.”

“The Centre would be a world-class institution for Chinese studies, enabling students and academics to study China’s national and global presence through the prism of history, culture, media, politics, society, and economics.

“It will host high-performing researchers on China-related topics, produce high quality research, mentor new generations of China practitioners and scholars, and engage in public policy discussions.

“As our largest trading partner, we have much to gain by better understanding China through people-to-people, trade, cultural, education and research linkages.”

The China in the World Building, which features elements of Australian and Chinese design, was last year recognised with a number of awards for architecture, including the Romaldo Giurgola Award for Public Architecture, the Australian Institute of Architects’ top award for public architecture.

Further information on the Australian Centre on China in the World can be found at ciw.anu.edu.au.

[Photo: Panorama view from Sullivans Creek Road. Image by Mo Atelier Szeto + Munns Sly Moore Architects.]