Clive Hamilton

Inserted 2 years ago

“Beijing uses economic coercion quite ruthlessly. Initially, the trade bans caused great consternation. But the government in Canberra made it very clear that Australia would not compromise or sacrifice its fundamental principles and would protect our democratic system from China's interference. Despite the economic pain in some sectors, China's economic bullying also helped the Australian government and public to harden their attitude toward the country, and businesses to find new markets. If we back down we will never get our independence back. It is important to continue to develop closer relations with other countries that want to protect their sovereignty from China's influence, interference, bullying and economic blackmail. Countries must ask themselves whether they are willing to pay a price in order to retain their national sovereignty and the democratic rights citizens enjoy. With an aggressive, authoritarian China threatening these, people must decide - money or freedom.”

Koreatimes

Professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University in Canberra and author of the book 'Silent Invasion'