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China-Australia relations
EconomyGlobal Economy

Western Australia eager to expand China space research, investment with ‘science not bound by borders’

  • Western Australia is co-host of a global radio telescope project, along with South Africa, with China, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland also members
  • Projects like the Square Kilometre Array are viewed as ‘obvious candidates’ for China and Australia cooperation

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The launch of construction of the Square Kilometre Array-Mid telescope outside the town of Carnarvon, in Northern Cape, South Africa. Photo: Reuters
Kandy Wong
China and Australia mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic and trade ties in December. Post reporter Kandy Wong recently attended the 12th Australia-China Youth Dialogue, and her four-part series looks at various aspects of the relationship between Beijing and Canberra. In part two, she looks at potential science cooperation between the two countries.

Western Australia expects to step up its space research cooperation with China, according to a top Australian government official, in a move aimed at utilising its copious scientific resources, while also boosting local innovation, investment and jobs.

Australia is a co-host of a worldwide radio telescope project, the UK-headquartered Square Kilometre Array, along with South Africa, while China, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland are all members.

Construction 800km (497 miles) north of Perth, began on Monday, and more than 130,000 two-metre tall, Christmas tree-shaped antennas will be built as part of the project.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, who officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the project is expected to attract an estimated A$1.8 billion (US$1.2 billion) in foreign income flows to Australia over its first 30 years and create around 350 medium-term jobs.

Artist’s impression of low-frequency stations forming the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, to be built in Western Australia. Photo: Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources/AFP
Artist’s impression of low-frequency stations forming the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, to be built in Western Australia. Photo: Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources/AFP

“[We are] confident that Western Australia will continue to be an important investment location for China,” Western Australia premier Mark McGowan told the Post at the end of last month.

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Spotlight on China-Australia relations 50 years on
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