Back in March scholars of China split over the level, if any, of the PRC’s interference in Australian politics, with academics presenting opposite groups to a Senate inquiry into foreign interference legislation (CMM March 29).

But the community seems solid in supporting an open letter demanding Beijing release Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.  The two are widely considered to be held as retaliation for Canada’s arrest, at US request, of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Australian and Australian-based academic signatories include, Gareth Evans (as a former foreign minister and previous head of the International Crisis Group, not as ANU chancellor), Geremie Barmé (ANU), Mark Beeson (UWA), Nick Bisley (La Trobe U), Malcolm Cook (Lowy Institute), Gloria Davies (Monash U), Michael Fullilove (Lowy Institute), James Laurenceson (UTS), Richard McGregor (Lowy Institute), Rory Medcalf (ANU), Benjamin Reilly (UWA), Carlyle Thayer (UNSW),  Ashley Townsend (Uni Sydney), Sue Trevaskes (Griffith U), and Michael Wesley (ANU).