Ann: FOD Result Announcement, page-70

Yes pods, China can and has changed the game when it suits them, ie. thrusting forward their political -- not economic agenda to the fore. This is a key distinction. It is capitalism versus mercantilism. If Australia were to acquiesce or "compromise" then this would be correctly perceived as "bending over," " or on one's knees," viz. the Australia US relationship.  Integrity has a price. Cowardice is a bill never fully paid. Ultimately what kind of Australia does one wish to live in? A kowtowing Canberra, or one where justice and integrity flourish. The Lucky Country will need that Luck because the pollies can't see beyond their own interests, and Australia often doesn't make that cut.

This is a delicate foreign relations reality, balancing the US against China pivoting on top of Australia's best interests. Pick your cliche: Serving two masters, or Rock and a hard place, or...My cliche of choice is, "Make hay while the sun shines... DWJD."

OV