Opinion
Why banning China from buying Probuild is justified discrimination
The security reality is that different rules must apply for takeovers by Chinese firms because Beijing sees every commercial entity as a tool of the state.
John LeeForeign policy expertBeijing believes Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s decision to scupper China State Construction Engineering Corp’s bid for Probuild is further evidence of overt discrimination against Chinese firms.
Coming after other moves, such as blocking Mengniu Dairy from acquiring Lion Dairy and Drinks, some Australian commentators agree. They argue that maybe blocking Huawei from our 5G was understandable. But the Morrison government was now taking too broad a view of what is strategically important and necessary to protect the national interest.
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