Dangers of Xi Jinping’s ‘conditional love’ on full display

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Bali. Picture: AFP

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was right to stand his ground when Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly confronted him at the Bali G20 on Wednesday.

Reports say Mr Xi, “red in the face” and waving his arms, was angry because the Canadian leader’s office had disclosed to the media the content of a 10-minute meeting the two had the previous day.

That included Mr Trudeau raising “serious concerns” about Chinese interference in Canadian politics based on intelligence reports showing Beijing funded at least 11 candidates in the 2019 federal election, placed agents in MPs offices, tried to corrupt officials and put “aggressive campaigns” in place against politicians perceived to be inimical to Chinese interests.

“Everything we said has been leaked to the papers,” Mr Xi said, sounding agitated.

“If you are sincere, we should communicate with each other in a respectful manner. Otherwise, the result may be difficult to say.’’

International media, diplomats and world leaders looked on. Taken aback, Mr Trudeau said he hoped the two countries could “work constructively’’, adding “in Canada, we believe in a free and open and frank dialogue.” He deserves thanks from leaders of other democracies for resisting the Chinese leader’s bullying.

Mr Xi prefers media to be shackled but he needs to understand the outrageous political interference of which Mr Trudeau complained is a matter of grave concern to all free countries.

Elected leaders have a responsibility to keep fellow citizens informed on matters of national security. The “conditional love” Mr Xi’s outburst reveals is telling. He is apparently willing to play along with countries so long as they dance to his tune.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets China's President Xi Jinping in a bilateral meeting during the 2022 G20 summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Picture: Supplied

The dressing down suggests Ottawa has – for now – replaced Canberra as the US ally in Beijing’s bad books. Anthony Albanese seems to have found a more malleable Mr Xi in their encounters. Yet Mr Trudeau’s rough treatment shows all democracies need to avoid getting ahead of themselves in dealing with Beijing.

There is a way to go before Alexander Downer’s expectation of an end to Beijing’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” becomes reality.