On 9 June, Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), and Tian Zhang, CEO of AustCham China, were interviewed by Go Global Navigation Network (Ministry of Commerce) in Beijing. In the interview, they highlighted China’s growing global role in future industries and reaffirmed AustCham’s commitment to supporting Australian businesses as they adapt to emerging opportunities in the Chinese market.
Vaughn Barber emphasized that China is not just a destination for trade, but a key partner in global innovation. As China continues to lead in sectors like electric vehicles, wind and solar energy, and advanced manufacturing, Vaughn noted that collaboration is vital for Australian firms seeking to position themselves in these strategic industries. “Australian businesses increasingly recognize that participating in China’s growth story is not optional—it’s essential for long-term success,” he said.
Tian Zhang echoed these sentiments, noting that AustCham is observing a shift in mindset among its members. “More companies are not just exporting to China but embedding themselves in the market—investing locally, forming partnerships, and aligning with China’s innovation agenda,” she said. She also emphasized that despite past tensions, confidence is growing, and Australian companies are more focused than ever on finding shared value in areas like clean energy, healthcare, and education.
The article also referenced findings from AustCham China’s 2025 Doing Business in China report, which showed that nearly 70% of surveyed foreign enterprises ranked China as one of their top three global investment priorities. This data was presented as a strong indicator of Australia’s growing confidence in the Chinese market, particularly as companies seek to expand operations in key growth sectors across emerging Chinese cities. The report was cited as a timely reflection of business sentiment, underscoring that commercial momentum is not only recovering but accelerating in several future-facing industries.
Read the full article [link] to hear more about Vaughn and Tian’s perspective on staying responsive to China’s evolving economic priorities and how to deepen strategic and operational engagement with China.