Wednesday 3 May 2023

“‘Show trial’ claim over expat in China spy case” | SCMP

This is amazing. An Aussie businessman jailed in Australia. 

When I first read the news the other day I thought it must have been an Aussie businessman jailed in China. We could then have waxed indignant. But no! It’s in Australia. For a guy who was doing what we’ve all done in China. Hand out info. Even if we knew the recipient was, very likely, a member of the communist party. (Because you can’t get far in China without being a CCP member).

When I was in China-Australia business in the 80s we always gave information to Chinese clients, as we did for Australian clients, and just as the jailed Aussie businessman, Alexander Csergo, did. Difference then was the Chinese were too poor to pay for it! Now they pay for the info, so Csergo gets nabbed! By Australian authorities! And kept in jail without bail. Breathtaking…

The bits I’ve highlighted show the danger. To my Aussie business friends living in China. If they ever go back to Oz. 

As Czergo’s lawyer says “it’s a test of our liberties and the rule of law”. For sure if it was the other way around we’d be furious at China.