Anna Marie Hayes

Anna Marie Hayes is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at James Cook University's College of Arts, Society and Education. Her research focuses on Chinese foreign policy, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region dynamics, and human rights issues. She has contributed to over 48 publications, including co-editing major works such as *Chinese International Relations Theory* (2025) and *The Chinese in Papua New Guinea* (2024). Her work analyzes China's global influence through institutions like the UN Human Rights Council and explores the intersection of development, security, and ethnic policies in Xinjiang.

Key research areas include the Belt and Road Initiative's geopolitical implications, Australia's strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific region, and the ethical dimensions of forced labor in Chinese manufacturing. Hayes has provided policy submissions to the Australian Parliament, notably advocating for bans on goods produced via Uyghur forced labor. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis, contemporary security studies, and transnational migration patterns.

Recent work highlights the evolution of Chinese international relations theory, the role of sharp power in public diplomacy, and the socio-political significance of Xinjiang to China's national identity. She frequently engages with policy communities, emphasizing the need for global accountability over human rights abuses in China's ethnic regions.