SYDNEY -- Australia's resource heavy economy is seeking to shift gears as its key source of FDI, China, begins to reassess its capital outflow, according to a series of major reports that reflect the critical role China is playing in the global restructuring of FDI.

According to an HSBC survey released Monday, Australia's stability and favorable business conditions attract Chinese investment, however a growing school of thought is calling for government and corporate intervention to ensure Australia's ongoing economic diversification and innovation.

The HSBC survey reveals a large proportion of Chinese companies are expanding offshore into the manufacturing and retail trade sectors rather than mining, Australia's core trading driver - as expected; and are prioritizing markets like Australia that have favorable business and political conditions.

Amongst 250 Chinese companies surveyed, 17 percent were large conglomerates with the remainder being of a corporate or middle market size.

Beyond Greater China (Hong Kong and Taiwan), 12 percent of respondents said they had set up an operation in Australia - the third highest behind the US (22 percent) and Singapore (18 percent).

James Hogan, head of Commercial Banking for HSBC Bank Australia, said, "As the world's 13th largest economy with only the 52nd largest population, increased capital inflow through direct foreign investment is necessary for Australia's continued prosperity."

"With Australia now China's seventh largest trading partner we are clearly front of mind for Chinese companies for exports and imports; however, it is important that we convert these trade links into investment links too."