The U.S.-China bilateral relationship is widely regarded by politicians, practitioners, and pundits as the world’s most important. Effectively managing China’s reemergence as a major power in the context of a U.S.-led international order is seen as key to continuing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific. But is working together the best way for China to get what it wants?

The conclusion earlier this week of another round of international climate change negotiations -- this year held in Lima -- marked the end of a highly-charged month of climate change politics in which Australia and China featured prominently, albeit for very different reasons.

It was announced that a China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) had finally been reached after more than a decade of negotiations. While most Australian media attention was focused on domestic produce, the CHAFTA also contains two provisions that affect Australian architects, which have been met with cautious optimism.

There is no doubt that Australia and China are getting more involved in collaborations in the business sector, diplomatic dialogue as well as cultural exchange. However, Australia-China interactions in the third sector pale beside those in the public and private sector.