China’s crocodile tears over its culpability for the COVID-19 outbreak and its public attacks on Australia are straight out of the communist nation’s playbook.
Threatening Australian products through a consumer-led boycott is an old trick.
In late 2017, China issued the same warning following the introduction of foreign interference laws and pushback against its growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Australians are growing tired of the threats. China’s public posturing rarely follows through with mass boycotts, apart from the temporary targeting of specific products. While previous federal governments have pandered to China, Scott Morrison has bucked the trend. The Prime Minister has moved quickly and assertively to defend Australia’s national interest.
Australia is viewed by China as an easy target because of its deep economic and trade ties with the PRC, but the COVID-19 crisis has delivered the wake-up call federal and state governments knew was coming. Exporters, in partnership with government, are looking to accelerate the diversification of trade into new markets.
New free-trade deals are being negotiated with the EU and Britain, and talks about expanding the Trans-Pacific Partnership are ongoing.
The health and economic shock fuelled by coronavirus has amplified the vulnerabilities of some Australian exporters, who had banked on the China cash cow continuing unabated.
The higher education sector is being urged to rethink its business model as more Chinese students access local universities or opt for other international destinations.
Another example of the reliance on China is wine exports, valued at $1.25bn, accounting for 42 per cent of the industry’s total export value. China’s threats to pull economic levers — whether it be targeting consumer products, tourism, education or resources — disregard the beneficial mutual relationship. Putting aside the fiery rhetoric from Chinese ambassador Cheng Jingye, state-operated media and foreign ministry officials, both sides privately respect the cultural and political differences.
Regional proximity, business interests and the Chinese diaspora in Australia maintain ties despite the theatrics from Beijing responding to the Morrison government standing up for Australia’s sovereignty.
The government has no intention of backing down from its calls for an independent inquiry. Australians aren’t alone in expecting answers from the COVID-19 outbreak. Just as they are not alone in wanting Australia’s democratic political system, companies and livelihoods protected from foreign interference.
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