Home topics small-business-resources growth-import-export Growth | Import | Export Growth | Import | Export Exporting to China under Rudd’s leadership Guest Author February 19, 2008 Under Kevin Rudd’s leadership, trade with China will open up exciting opportunities for Australian businesses. But you will still need to do your homework to make the right connections. Rudd brings a level of expertise to engagement with China that is unmatched by any previous Australian leader. He has not only strong connections with China but a personal affinity with and love of the country. And he has long had an eye on China. He is quoted as saying that as a 15-year-old he watched Gough Whitlam on television on his triumphal return from Beijing and found it interesting enough to write to Whitlam saying he wanted to become an Australian diplomat. He embraced the study of China, achieving First Class Honours in Arts (Asian Studies) at ANU, majoring in Chinese language and history. His ability to speak Mandarin effortlessly—he can even deliver word puns in the language—is a strong attribute for a new leader at a time when China is emerging as an economic, political, and military superpower. A love of China extends to his family: his daughter recently married a young man in Australia’s Chinese community, his oldest son has studied at Shanghai's Fundan University, and his youngest son is learning Chinese. His strong connection with China goes beyond a love of the country, an academic degree, and a language skill. He spent