Australia may be forced to choose sides between its biggest security partner and its second-largest export, education, as a "new Cold War" pits China against the United States, according a Japanese security expert.

Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda believes restrictions on Chinese students studying certain subjects in Western universities, beginning in the US, is a possible result of the shifting international order.

A new Cold War: Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda speaking at the Monash University Law Chambers. Credit:Joe Armao

"The US will want allies to choose sides," Professor Matsuda said, adding that it was possible Japan would one day add restrictions on what Chinese students can study.

The tussle between China and the US over Huawei is just the start of "a very long-lasting rivalry" that amounts to a "new Cold War", Matsuda said on a recent visit to Australia.