Beijing Bully Boys

In recent decades, China has often touted its relations with Australia as a sterling example of win-win bilateral ties. China is Australia’s largest and best customer, accounting for more than a third of all Australian exports ranging from iron ore to wine to milk powder, and this strong Chinese demand powered an economic boom down under. Australia is also one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, students, immigrants and rich investors seeking business opportunities.
It is also a favourite stop for Chinese leaders.
Xi Jinping has visited Australia five times – the first trip was in 1988 when he was a local official in Fujian and the last was in November 2014 as president, when he fulfilled his wish of visiting all six Australian states. During his last visit, Xi and Tony Abbott, the prime minister at the time, agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and announced the conclusion of negotiations on a landmark free trade agreement.
As Xi put it then, China and Australia could become mutually trusted “sincere partners” as they had neither historical grievances nor conflicting fundamental interests.

How times have changed. …