World needs to unite to combat China over trade tensions

It seems that nowadays almost everything in international politics is fair game. Despite that, China’s blatant use of trade levers to further its geopolitical aims and express its displeasure are most regrettable (“China’s blitz on exports strikes wine”, 28-29/11). It creates an environment where trade and other agreements can no longer be fully relied upon, where suspicion rather than trust forms the basis of negotiation, and where optimum results for all parties cannot be achieved. The free world must take notice of this development and take action as a block. China is an impressive country with a growing economy. But some of the actions of its current leadership do not bode well for good international relations. Turning a blind eye, or continuing with so far fruitless efforts to reach some common ground, does not seem to produce results. Only clear and decisive words and actions on the part of the free world will. Australia’s trade with China is very important. But it must not come at the cost of having to endure what is happening right now.

Michael Schilling, Millswood, SA

Paul Kelly (“Morrison shifts for a changing world”, 28-29/11) outlines the problems he sees for the PM in dealing with China. But the importance of “getting China to listen” will not happen while China is trying to mould Australia into a kowtowing tributary state. His point that Morrison needs to ignore “the fatalists at home who believe that China is locked into a stance of strategic hostility from which there is no respite” is a repudiation of reality. Kelly’s “fatalists” are realists who know that as long as China is not stopped it will continue to bully and bribe its way to regional and global hegemony. The brutal truth is that in China’s cultural and social world, power is the only thing that matters — not “balance” or “playing by the rules” or “negotiation”. These are Western concepts that China uses to its advantage.

Jim Wilson, Beaumont, SA

The concept of “face” is integral to Chinese society and has been defined as “abstract and intangible, yet the most delicate standard by which Chinese social intercourse is regulated”. Westerners may find it hard to understand but “face” is the key to the Chinese spirit. It can be granted and lost. Losing face in Chinese culture is about more than being embarrassed and we can easily misinterpret the idea that Chinese people are simply being too sensitive or thin skinned. But in reality, face is a complicated part of good manners in China. Failure to understand face may result in agonising situations and burned bridges. To wit, obviously our Prime Minister has no understanding of this concept.

William Green, Southport, Qld

In response to China’s ludicrous 212 per cent tariff on wine, it might be fitting to tear up their 99-year lease on the port of Darwin. It is obvious that the use of this port was not to facilitate trade.

Pastor de Lasala, Seaforth, NSW

The first thing the government should do to counter China’s wine tariff is scrap the 29 per cent wine equalisation tax so that Australians can afford to drink Australian wine. The second is to pursue more trade with every other country in the world.

Andrew Ellis, Kembla Grange, NSW