Introductory remarks by Mr Peter Varghese AO

Introductory remarks by Mr Peter Varghese AO Chancellor of the University of Queensland at the China Matters Oration 15 February 2023 Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet and to pay my respects to elders past and present. [...] A very special acknowledgement to our guest of honour, an orator, Dr Kevin Rudd, former prime minister, the outgoing global president of the Asia Society and our soon to be ambassador to the United States. [...] Can I also acknowledge the Vice Chancellor of the university of Queensland professor Deborah Terry, my colleagues on the UQ senate and members of the university senior leadership team and also acknowledge the Consul-General of China, Dr Ruan. [...] China Matters was founded on the proposition that a deep understanding of China is crucial if we are to find the right policy approaches to the central geopolitical issue of our time, the rise of China and what that means for the US led system in which Australia has prospered and found security. [...] And what should be assumed about China’s future trajectory? Will it inevitably become the largest economy in the world with a matching strategic reach? Or is it already a peaking power with a limited window of opportunity to secure its strategic ambitions? Can China maintain strong economic growth if it reduces the role of the private sector in an economy with even higher levels of state control?.