Australia terminates university partnerships with Chinese institutions

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has ordered the termination of several academic partnerships with Chinese institutions, citing national security concerns under the Foreign Relations Act. The Australian National University (ANU) has been directed to end its Joint Science College arrangement with Shandong University by January 18, 2025. This partnership involved students studying for three years in China followed by two years in Canberra.

Additionally, a research collaboration between the University of Queensland and the Chinese Academy of Sciences regarding the use of native Australian plants for pain relief has also been halted.

The decision follows the United States Department of Defense adding Shandong University to a list of foreign entities engaged in “problematic activities.” While Australian officials maintain the decisions are based on independent national security assessments, critics have noted the timing closely aligns with shifts in U.S. policy. The Australian government is currently working with institutions to determine the impact on students currently enrolled in these programs.