The emergence of China as a 21st-century superpower has already had profound impacts on Australia.

As China reshapes the balance of power, not only in the Asia-Pacific region but globally, its influence on Australia is likely to increase.

China’s economic and military growth will also challenge the world’s other superpower (and Australia’s traditional security ally) the United States. Caught between these two superpowers, Australia’s ability to manage this difficult diplomatic balancing act could well determine its future prosperity and security.

Tamson Pietsch speaks with Kerry Brown, executive director of the China Studies Centre, about Australia’s place in the Chinese Century and the role diplomacy has to play.

Tamson Pietsch is ARC DECRA Research Fellow, University of Sydney. Kerry Brown is Executive Director, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney. This podcast appeared first on The Conversation on 30 January 2015. It is republished with permission.