Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest slams Australian paranoia about China

Billionaire Andrew Forrest has condemned “immature” Australian commentary about China, saying: “This has to stop.”

Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest says 2017 was the “annus horribilis” for Australia’s relationship with China.

Billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has slammed the “immature commentary” and “paranoia” that has infiltrated Australian attitudes towards China, in a passionate attempt to restore the deteriorating relationship between the two major trade partners.

Speaking at an Australia-China Business Council dinner in Perth last night to mark the Lunar New Year, the Fortescue Metals Group founder described 2017 as the “annus horribilis” for Australia’s relationship with its northern neighbour.

Mr Forrest said China was an ally that had been neglected in recent times as Australia lost sight of its long-term national interests and indulged in “immature commentary”.

“Much of the current Australian debate fuels distrust, paranoia and a loss of respect,” he said.

“This has to stop.”

Australia’s relationship with China — our biggest trading partner and the dominant customer of Mr Forrest’s iron ore miner Fortescue — has become increasingly tense in recent months.

The week, The Australian revealed recent moves by China to stall Australian ministerial visits and defer a trip by our top diplomat as part of an attempt to pressure Malcolm Turnbull over new foreign interference laws and maritime boundary disputes in the South China Sea.

Mr Forrest said Australia and China had a long and at times forgotten history of working together not just economically but also militarily, recalling the co-operation between the two countries during the first and second world wars.

“We have listened too much to immature alarmists and not enough to each other. We have neglected the nourishment of our greatest friendship — China and Australia must nourish that friendship,” he said.

“I ask Australians to stand with me and respect and celebrate the Chinese community’s deep roots in Australia, and the vital role China has played in the strength and cultural richness of Australia.”

He said Australia needed to act with maturity, strength and respect if its relationship with China was to prosper.

“Our shared experiences, through some of the worst horrors in history, are far more meaningful than differences in tradition or our political systems,” he said.

“These differences, which are often used to imply some ‘new challenge’ to Australia, have existed for decades.

“They existed while we carved out our current strong relationship. They existed when we fought alongside one another. And they existed when we signed globally important trade deals. We need to stop only focusing on what separates us.”