Division, cooperation and representation in the Chinese–Australian community during the Post-Yuan Shikai Period, 1915–1920

This article examines changes in Chinese–Australian organisations from 1915 to 1920, focusing on cooperation and division within the Chinese community as reported in Chinese–Australian newspapers following Yuan Shikai’s restoration of the monarchy in China. Amid the White Australia policy and First World War, Chinese leaders worked together to protect their interests, but differing views on the Beiyang government divided them. This article argues that ideological conflict triggered by Yuan Shikai’s restoration of the monarchy reshaped the Chinese–Australian community by undermining the Chinese elite’s legitimacy and capacity for social representation.