China’s ambassador pairs bus ride with sovereignty warning
China’s new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, used an early public bus journey to Canberra to project accessibility while also stressing Beijing’s expectations of “mutual respect”. The article argues that this language signals China’s demand that Australia avoid challenging matters Beijing treats as non-negotiable, particularly Taiwan, while raising questions about whether China would offer Australia the same latitude.
It says the Albanese government has secured the removal of Chinese trade barriers affecting about $20 billion in Australian exports without abandoning AUKUS or foreign-interference laws. The author contends that Australia must balance trade with China, its largest trading partner, against sovereignty concerns, including defence policy and control of critical infrastructure, amid uncertainty over US policy under Donald Trump.
- China’s ambassador paired public outreach with firm strategic messaging.
- Beijing’s “mutual respect” language is portrayed as potentially one-sided.
- Australia faces trade, security and sovereignty pressures.
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China and Australia have a large trading relationship, with China buying Australian goods such as iron ore, food and energy. Relations became strained in the early 2020s after Australia called for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 and introduced measures aimed at foreign interference; China then imposed restrictions on several Australian exports.
The two governments have since worked to stabilise ties, and many of those trade restrictions have been lifted. Australia has nevertheless kept policies that Beijing dislikes, including its security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, known as AUKUS, which involves plans for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Taiwan is a particularly sensitive issue for China, which claims the self-governing island as its territory. Australia recognises Beijing as China’s government but maintains unofficial links with Taiwan, while also seeking to protect its ability to make independent decisions on defence, trade and critical infrastructure.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of a firmer Australian stance would argue that respectful engagement with China should not mean accepting limits on Australia’s independent judgement. They would say Canberra has shown it can restore trade while retaining AUKUS and foreign-interference laws, and should continue to defend its right to speak on Taiwan, choose its defence partners and protect critical infrastructure. The underlying value is sovereign decision-making: economic ties are important, but should not create political vetoes for any foreign power.
The case against
Advocates of a more accommodating approach would argue that China’s call for mutual respect is a practical basis for stabilising a relationship vital to Australian prosperity and regional security. They would say Australia can protect its core interests without repeatedly testing Beijing on issues it regards as existential, particularly when trade cooperation has already delivered tangible benefits and US policy is uncertain. The underlying value is diplomatic restraint: predictable dialogue and recognition of each side’s sensitivities may give Australia more influence and reduce the risk of avoidable confrontation.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Peter van Onselen: China has just delivered two major lessons to Australia’s politicians: One in public relations, the other in power”.