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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I was driven to read this novel on the back of the reports that various publishers were refusing to publish the novel out of (alleged) fear of a back lash from Beijing. It is definitely one of the most politically contentious novels I have read but it covers an area that many Australians are afraid to explore due to the threat of being called a racist.
Clive Hamilton does a comprehensive job in analysing the reach of the Chinese state into Australian domestic matters. While some of the revelations in the novel are shocking, there is a fair bit of hearsay (rather than documented evidence) used to support those claims. Independent of some of the scrappy lines of evidence and borderline racist commentary, it is clear that the reach of Chinese state in Australia goes from the grass root Chinese communities all the way to academia and the political parties. Beijing is not just content to set up these networks, since it sees Australia as part of its sphere of influence, but is actively exploiting it to pursue their own usually obscured geopolitical aspirations.
Although, I do not think such a finding is unsurprising. As a middle power, influence by a superpower (such as the US or the UK) in domestic affairs has been part and parcel of Australian history (Petrov affair anyone?). However, what is fundamentally different now is the socio-political reality of China means its influence is often diametrically opposed to some the basic rights Australians see as integral to their society. This means that the influence that Beijing can wield internally in Australia has the potential to shake the structures that are fundamental to democracy and our perceived freedoms, in a way that have never occurred with the US or UK. Therefore, while rough around the edges, the message of "Silent Invasion" is clear - Australians have to be weary of courting the favour (mostly in the form of money) of China at the expense of our values and freedoms.
Clive Hamilton does a comprehensive job in analysing the reach of the Chinese state into Australian domestic matters. While some of the revelations in the novel are shocking, there is a fair bit of hearsay (rather than documented evidence) used to support those claims. Independent of some of the scrappy lines of evidence and borderline racist commentary, it is clear that the reach of Chinese state in Australia goes from the grass root Chinese communities all the way to academia and the political parties. Beijing is not just content to set up these networks, since it sees Australia as part of its sphere of influence, but is actively exploiting it to pursue their own usually obscured geopolitical aspirations.
Although, I do not think such a finding is unsurprising. As a middle power, influence by a superpower (such as the US or the UK) in domestic affairs has been part and parcel of Australian history (Petrov affair anyone?). However, what is fundamentally different now is the socio-political reality of China means its influence is often diametrically opposed to some the basic rights Australians see as integral to their society. This means that the influence that Beijing can wield internally in Australia has the potential to shake the structures that are fundamental to democracy and our perceived freedoms, in a way that have never occurred with the US or UK. Therefore, while rough around the edges, the message of "Silent Invasion" is clear - Australians have to be weary of courting the favour (mostly in the form of money) of China at the expense of our values and freedoms.
A very interesting book that raises many worrying things that are happening in Australia. Several of the episodes are publicly known but much more is not and politicians and the media are mostly quiet about the situation.
It will take ten years to root out Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence in Australia says Clive Hamilton at the end of his breathtaking book, Silent Invasion: China’s Influence In Australia (2018).
As a former student of Chinese politics, and long-time resident of Greater China, I didn’t think I had much to learn about the shenanigans of the CCP. I therefore picked this book up dolefully, more or less knowing what it would tell me. But actually I found it uplifting insofar as Clive Hamilton, who is not a China specialist, reveals in lucid detail how the CCP has gained such a pernicious influence over Australians and Australia’s economy. This is encouraging because once a problem has been so clearly explained, there is really no excuse for not dealing with it.
And I learned a lot from this book, I mean about the details of the CCP’s infiltration of Australia since 2004. The individuals, organisations, suborganisations, methods and domains, including Australian politicians, used by the CCP are analysed by Hamilton in a way that is well informed and meticulously presented. Clive’s controlled anger makes the narrative all the more compelling.
What makes me personally angry is the naivete and greed of many non-Chinese Australians. You would think they’d learn by experience. Instead, they get themselves deeper in the mire, finally becoming vocal puppet supporters of pro-Beijing policies because that is so much easier and financially rewarding than pushing back on the cronyism. The essential problem, as Hamilton demonstrates, is that the CCP cannot be taken at face value. Their long-term strategic goals and intentions are well concealed. They use democracy to undermine democracy. This is very problematic. Getting the Port of Darwin back under national control, for example, is not going to be easy. The cat is out of the bag as one informant put it.
So, implies the author, if you think China is your future, think again. Stop to talk to some of the Chinese Australians who tried to warn you about the CCP. Take some time to research communist China’s behaviour past and present. Be aware that the CCP and China are not equivalents, and that the problem is not ‘China’ per se, but the genocidal CCP, who have co-opted and brainwashed the Chinese people at home and abroad. You are on their target list. Don’t trust Australian politicians who tell you they know China, because even if they have schmoozed with CCP agents and CCP proxies, they really don’t know what they are getting you into.
The conclusion one comes to after reading this book is that democracy must come before money, or pretty soon Australia won’t be any kind of democracy.
As a former student of Chinese politics, and long-time resident of Greater China, I didn’t think I had much to learn about the shenanigans of the CCP. I therefore picked this book up dolefully, more or less knowing what it would tell me. But actually I found it uplifting insofar as Clive Hamilton, who is not a China specialist, reveals in lucid detail how the CCP has gained such a pernicious influence over Australians and Australia’s economy. This is encouraging because once a problem has been so clearly explained, there is really no excuse for not dealing with it.
And I learned a lot from this book, I mean about the details of the CCP’s infiltration of Australia since 2004. The individuals, organisations, suborganisations, methods and domains, including Australian politicians, used by the CCP are analysed by Hamilton in a way that is well informed and meticulously presented. Clive’s controlled anger makes the narrative all the more compelling.
What makes me personally angry is the naivete and greed of many non-Chinese Australians. You would think they’d learn by experience. Instead, they get themselves deeper in the mire, finally becoming vocal puppet supporters of pro-Beijing policies because that is so much easier and financially rewarding than pushing back on the cronyism. The essential problem, as Hamilton demonstrates, is that the CCP cannot be taken at face value. Their long-term strategic goals and intentions are well concealed. They use democracy to undermine democracy. This is very problematic. Getting the Port of Darwin back under national control, for example, is not going to be easy. The cat is out of the bag as one informant put it.
So, implies the author, if you think China is your future, think again. Stop to talk to some of the Chinese Australians who tried to warn you about the CCP. Take some time to research communist China’s behaviour past and present. Be aware that the CCP and China are not equivalents, and that the problem is not ‘China’ per se, but the genocidal CCP, who have co-opted and brainwashed the Chinese people at home and abroad. You are on their target list. Don’t trust Australian politicians who tell you they know China, because even if they have schmoozed with CCP agents and CCP proxies, they really don’t know what they are getting you into.
The conclusion one comes to after reading this book is that democracy must come before money, or pretty soon Australia won’t be any kind of democracy.
informative
medium-paced
Must read. Australian elites have let the country down - either greed or denial/ignorance.
Interesting political science book.
I found this endlessly fascinating.
Highly recommended for my political science readers interested in world powers and influence.
Scary at times, and very parallel in strategy with things going on in Canada.
Very similar to the books [b:Claws of the Panda: Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada|42529502|Claws of the Panda Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada|Jonathan Manthorpe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542031734l/42529502._SX50_.jpg|66247446] and [b:Wilful Blindness: How a Criminal Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West|57427971|Wilful Blindness How a Criminal Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West|Sam Cooper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615856068l/57427971._SY75_.jpg|89910607]
4.9/5
I found this endlessly fascinating.
Highly recommended for my political science readers interested in world powers and influence.
Scary at times, and very parallel in strategy with things going on in Canada.
Very similar to the books [b:Claws of the Panda: Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada|42529502|Claws of the Panda Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada|Jonathan Manthorpe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542031734l/42529502._SX50_.jpg|66247446] and [b:Wilful Blindness: How a Criminal Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West|57427971|Wilful Blindness How a Criminal Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West|Sam Cooper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615856068l/57427971._SY75_.jpg|89910607]
4.9/5
An alarming look at Beijing’s influence in Australia, particularly of geoeconomics, how any nation angering the Chinese government has been responded by swift and damaging sanctions. Most importantly it presents researched, factual findings, and is not a book riddled with sensationalism as I thought before reading it.
This is a brave book that will no doubt make a few enemies. It’s very well researched though the relentlessness of the convincing examples is somewhat exhausting and the complexity meant that much of the detail didn’t stick in my mind (perhaps partly because I kept choosing to read other things).
The focus is, broadly on the negative influence of the CCP in Australia. The mention of “China” in the title is presumably to be provocative - otherwise it’s just overly simplistic. As is thoroughly detailed, it’s not about “China vs Australia” but about the CCP or dominant Chinese group (referred to in shorthand in this book and others as “Beijing”, as opposed to China as a diverse whole) silencing or smothering the voices and influence of minority groups in China, countries under Chinese rule and other countries in Asia.
Before any white Australian accuses this book of being racist, read it. It’s not an attack on Chinese people. It’s about how Australia can support human rights, transparency and equality across the whole Asia-Pacific region, including strengthening ties with India and other Asian nations.
An interesting read if you’re up for a challenge.
The focus is, broadly on the negative influence of the CCP in Australia. The mention of “China” in the title is presumably to be provocative - otherwise it’s just overly simplistic. As is thoroughly detailed, it’s not about “China vs Australia” but about the CCP or dominant Chinese group (referred to in shorthand in this book and others as “Beijing”, as opposed to China as a diverse whole) silencing or smothering the voices and influence of minority groups in China, countries under Chinese rule and other countries in Asia.
Before any white Australian accuses this book of being racist, read it. It’s not an attack on Chinese people. It’s about how Australia can support human rights, transparency and equality across the whole Asia-Pacific region, including strengthening ties with India and other Asian nations.
An interesting read if you’re up for a challenge.
A very interesting insight into the influence that the CCP has over its citizens and how it is trying to influence the two nations that are weakened (Australia and New Zealand) by geography. It is also interesting the narrative the CCP is trying to force onto the Australian population.
There was an interesting comment made about that Chinese students take the slightest offence at something and think its an attack on the motherland and it can whip up a 'jingoistic fervour' in them. As well as how fast Chinese students can be mobilised for the state or how fast they can be punished for comments made against the CCP.
Another point is how easily Australian politicians can be quick to accept money from donors for comments and a pro-Beijing point, an interesting point to be on the lookout for in the future.
There was an interesting comment made about that Chinese students take the slightest offence at something and think its an attack on the motherland and it can whip up a 'jingoistic fervour' in them. As well as how fast Chinese students can be mobilised for the state or how fast they can be punished for comments made against the CCP.
Another point is how easily Australian politicians can be quick to accept money from donors for comments and a pro-Beijing point, an interesting point to be on the lookout for in the future.
While this is not the most engaging non fiction out there on the influence of China, it is certainly a very comprehensive examination of the key people and strategies used in Australia to further the CCP agenda. It is particularly topical as in the past few weeks, we have seen very obvious attempts by the CCP to control conversation and thought in the West.
Over the last fortnight, Blizzard banned a Hearthstone player for speaking one pro- Hong Kong line, taking away his winnings and firing the two interviewers who sat in on the same stream; the NBA is being 'punished' economically for the Rocket's GM tweeting something pro - Hong Kong. Pre-season streams have been stopped, merchandise deals halted and potentially further impact to the season with the Tencent broadcasting deal. These two incidents have brought a lot of attention to the power of the Chinese government to direct private and state owned enterprises to enforce political wishes, particularly for audiences that may not have been aware of the CCP's power.
But these events are only two very well publicised examples of what is occurring - what Hamilton notes is that this power is being exerted in many more subtle ways here in Australia, including through political donations, the sell off of Australian assets and the partnering of key strategic academic institutions with persons and organisations with known People's Liberation Army connections.
In my day to day work, I think and write a lot about risk assessment, and the work that organisations do to manage risks - so it seems particularly absurd to me that the government, surrounded by strategists and media that is very friendly to China, does not manage the enormous risk of state owned enterprises in Australia or foreign interests in political donations. Similarly so with universities with an enormous reliance on international students and the cash flow they bring with them - you must be questioning the attitude that many have of 'China is our destiny', without the critical thinking that ought to accompany this: what is at stake? What do we as a nation risk when kowtowing all the time?
Hamilton emphasises in particular, that Xi and his party seek to manipulate Chinese ancestry as part of their strategy, which makes me quite uncomfortable. Even though President Xi and other CCP members acknowledge that regardless of where you are, those of Chinese heritage should serve Chinese interests first, parts of this book can almost be read as a witch hunt of, for example, academics at the CSIRO or universities, who are of Chinese heritage. Hamilton always backs up his speculation that certain academics, linked to the PLA, are not being accused of sending back intellectual property or selling on Australian scientific and technological knowledge...but when the notion is raised again and again, without offering a solution, I think it weakens the otherwise reasonable tone of the book and gives firepower to those who accuse Hamilton of xenophobia. And yet, I'm not sure how else to draw attention to the fact that absolutely, intelligence and knowledge is gathered by those loyal to China, and at times even funded by the Australian government.
I mention that this is not the most engaging piece, and Hamilton has written a few 'The Conversation' articles which are much more succint. However I do think this is an important piece of writing, if you can get past the repetition of names and situations. 'Silent Invasion' highlights a very important and dangerous series of events that the wider public should be aware of, so that we can hold organisations and our political leaders to account for it.
Over the last fortnight, Blizzard banned a Hearthstone player for speaking one pro- Hong Kong line, taking away his winnings and firing the two interviewers who sat in on the same stream; the NBA is being 'punished' economically for the Rocket's GM tweeting something pro - Hong Kong. Pre-season streams have been stopped, merchandise deals halted and potentially further impact to the season with the Tencent broadcasting deal. These two incidents have brought a lot of attention to the power of the Chinese government to direct private and state owned enterprises to enforce political wishes, particularly for audiences that may not have been aware of the CCP's power.
But these events are only two very well publicised examples of what is occurring - what Hamilton notes is that this power is being exerted in many more subtle ways here in Australia, including through political donations, the sell off of Australian assets and the partnering of key strategic academic institutions with persons and organisations with known People's Liberation Army connections.
In my day to day work, I think and write a lot about risk assessment, and the work that organisations do to manage risks - so it seems particularly absurd to me that the government, surrounded by strategists and media that is very friendly to China, does not manage the enormous risk of state owned enterprises in Australia or foreign interests in political donations. Similarly so with universities with an enormous reliance on international students and the cash flow they bring with them - you must be questioning the attitude that many have of 'China is our destiny', without the critical thinking that ought to accompany this: what is at stake? What do we as a nation risk when kowtowing all the time?
Hamilton emphasises in particular, that Xi and his party seek to manipulate Chinese ancestry as part of their strategy, which makes me quite uncomfortable. Even though President Xi and other CCP members acknowledge that regardless of where you are, those of Chinese heritage should serve Chinese interests first, parts of this book can almost be read as a witch hunt of, for example, academics at the CSIRO or universities, who are of Chinese heritage. Hamilton always backs up his speculation that certain academics, linked to the PLA, are not being accused of sending back intellectual property or selling on Australian scientific and technological knowledge...but when the notion is raised again and again, without offering a solution, I think it weakens the otherwise reasonable tone of the book and gives firepower to those who accuse Hamilton of xenophobia. And yet, I'm not sure how else to draw attention to the fact that absolutely, intelligence and knowledge is gathered by those loyal to China, and at times even funded by the Australian government.
I mention that this is not the most engaging piece, and Hamilton has written a few 'The Conversation' articles which are much more succint. However I do think this is an important piece of writing, if you can get past the repetition of names and situations. 'Silent Invasion' highlights a very important and dangerous series of events that the wider public should be aware of, so that we can hold organisations and our political leaders to account for it.