A review by steph_84
Silent Invasion: China's Influence In Australia by Clive Hamilton

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.