All good mate. I know you are a good boke - that's why I even...

All good mate. I know you are a good boke - that's why I even bothered to respond! Else I usually ignore politics.

China is in a difficult position. At my age! I have the benefit of knowing the history. There were days when EU and US pushed very hard to stifle China's economic growth by weaponizing climate change against them. They dragged Chinese delegates by their ear at Climate Change Conferences organised by UN that was controlled by US and EU. Nasty campaigns were run in main stream media reflecting the air pollution and coal usage in China. China responded to international criticism by taking a lead in Climate Change so much so that now West fears their supply chain and manufacturing capacity. All this when West was sitting on their hands and funding O&G projects saying that renewables and EVs will never be possible. China is acutely aware of West's intention to stifle its access to raw materials and therefore going down the path of improving relationships with Africa and reducing dependence on Australia. Australia is too weak to look after our own interest and letting US dictate our foreign policy as it suits them.