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I'm curious - why would Australians learn Mandarin (if not for exogenous reasons - such as family relations or business opportunities)?

• frandroid 11y ago
  China is one of Australia's largest trading partners, due to China's proximity, size and growing need for minerals, which Australia has in spades. China is the dominant player in East Asia, which is the region closest to Australia. China also has a diaspora throughout the regional that's disproportionally represented in trade and business, so even if you were setting your sights on doing business in say, Indonesia, you might be dealing with a lot of Chinese people.
  • seanmcdirmid 11y ago
    Indonesia has a large Chinese population of course, and they tend to do more business. Same with Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, ...