The China virus should have exposed the nature of the Chinese Communist regime to all but the most naive and apologetic. It’s just unfortunate that many of the naive and apologetic happen to be Australian politicians i.e on top of those who have been bought by the CCP, and only one or two of those creatures have been exposed. The motives of certain politicians and ex-politicians barracking for the Communist regime are yet to be discovered; and who knows what the Lefty DFAT denizens are secretly whispering in our ignorant politicians’ ears.

While the West is bumping along and trying to cope with China’s gift of the their virus, China is using the ‘distraction’ to indulge in business as usual by:-

Establishing two new outposts on reefs in waters claimed by the Philippines - in contravention of court rulings - as per the rest of its colonising of the South China Sea.

Working away to severe our U.S alliance.

Aggressively expanding with “debt-trap colonialism” in our region.

Buying its way past our security.

And there are all the abuses, persecutions and executions going on within China which should be enough to have any decent, democratic Western country avoiding them.

For those people more interested in the trade with China and think that it will be our eternal benefactor, think about these facts:-

Since the virus, 460,000 businesses have closed.
China has accrued a high level of debt over the past decade.
There is a structural slowdown. Growth down by 6%, lowest for 10 years.
Fiscal revenue down by 9.9% in Jan and Feb.
19% slump in VAT revenue.
Debt-financed stimulus spending 310% of GDP at end of 2019.
China now accounts for 60% of the US$72 trillion emerging market debt.
China’s exports are plunging.
Government is rescuing banks.

We must face the big lie soon.

ttbn,
What about those South Pacific Neighbours of ours who threatened to turn to China for help if Australia doesn't want to up the aid ? Good time to call their bluff now ?

individual,

Pacific Islands would be very foolish to accept debt-trap colonialism from China, which would see China taking over territory in lieu of repayment. We would be even more foolish not to give them aid because it should be part of the war against Chinese aggression. We don't want Chinese military bases any closer to us than they are now.

As long as the aid is for specific uses, and not some vague climate change nonsense that can't be monitored, aid should be part of our arsenal against Chinese aggression.

"As long as the aid is for specific uses, and not some vague climate change nonsense that can't be monitored, aid should be part of our arsenal against Chinese aggression".

really, but the pacific islands do believe in climate change.

r u suggesting that Australia tells them how to spend the aid?

Sorry about my spelling.

Yes, Chris. Aid should have strings. We are dealing with countries whose governments are not as open and accountable as ours. In fact, it would be a good idea if some (not all) of these governments were not allowed anywhere near the aid. Only the people needing help and local organisations should be involved. The possibility of corruption must be figured into all aid. It's hard enough keeping our own politicians honest. Our aid to foreign countries is our money, not 'their' money to spend as they please.

i don't disagree about aid having conditions.

But, China, which has a much bigger purse (at moment), can both serve its interests through higher levels of aid yet allow the recipient country to spend some on its own needs.

it will be very hard for Australia to compete with that.