cont'd...

I forgot to add that the Leader of the Opposition,
Malcolm Turnbull, is causing extensive damage to
Australia - China relations, by his constant outbursts
on the issue in the media.

Sometimes patience is its own reward - especially
in attaining the release of the Rio Tinto Executives,
and allowing China to 'save face.' As a politician -
and a lawyer, Turnbull should be familiar with the
various peculiarities of Nations in our sphere of
influence.

The PM may not extract an apology from China as Pericles
suggested. However, I'm sure that he will obtain the
release of the executives - because the PM has diplomatic
experience in dealing with China.

It seems to be a no-win situation. Bribery (or corporate friendship) seems to be a common practice in Chinese business. It also seems to be illegal. So - does someone in Hu's position break the law to fit into the Chinese business scene, or does he obey the law and watch doors slam in his face?

Perhaps the best lesson to learn from this is that doing business in China is not for the faint-hearted.

China functions on bribery,that is why Stern Hu was probably selected to deal with China,thus it probably became a real trap to ensnare Hu for political advantage.

India is far worse in the corruption stakes.They have raised it to an artform.There are companies that have left India since they cannot afford the bribes to various Govt officials to continue functioning.Thus Hu may well be guilty,ensnared by the system he was sent to subdue.