Ahead of the 2018 Victorian state election, Premier Daniel Andrews claimed that the state's share of Chinese investment in Australia had more than tripled in the past four years.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is expanding its research collaboration with universities outside of China. Since 2007, the PLA has sponsored more than 2,500 military scientists and engineers to study abroad and has developed relationships with researchers and institutions across the globe.

The purpose of this report is not to deny that China’s behaviour can present challenges to Australia’s national interest. It is essential that Australian responses to China’s rise and its behaviour are grounded in facts and evidence.

As the first paper in this series indicated, China seeks to develop its relationships with Middle Eastern states for a number of reasons.

This explainer provides an overview of the circular economy concept, what it looks like and why it’s being talked about. It also discusses recent research and developments in the circular economy space, and some of the challenges that may arise in its implementation.