Palmer’s apology to China a good move but FTA may still be affected

CLIVE Palmer’s apology to Chinese people for calling them “mongrels” who “shoot their own people” should have been made last week.

CLIVE Palmer’s apology to Chinese people for calling them “mongrels” who “shoot their own people” should have been made last week.

There is no doubt that the remarks caused offence in China and will strain the business, political and diplomatic ties that the country shares with Australia.

The reaction in Chinese social media and state media, unsurprisingly, was angry — a leading Australian figure had, after all, branded an entire race of people “bastards”.

The Global Times, a nationalist tabloid newspaper that is linked to the ruling Communist Party, thundered that Mr Palmer and companies that dealt with him should face official sanctions as a punishment for the offensive, racist remarks. Mr Palmer dominated the front and back pages of prominent newspapers last week and clearly embarrassed Australia.

But the key issue was the response of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry — which is one of the most powerful in the Chinese government — rightly called Mr Palmer “absurd” and “unreasonable” in his blustering assessment of the Chinese.

This is what should concern Australia, as it is the official response of Beijing. The ministry was quick to point out that it appreciated Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop rightly rushing to condemn Mr Palmer.

Many have interpreted Mr Palmer’s comments as potentially damaging to what is hopefully the final few rounds of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australian and China, with a deal due to be signed off by the end of the year.

It can only be hoped that the careless remarks of a maverick politician do not jeopardise the deal. The official apology is a positive step towards healing relations but should have been made sooner.