i think we might have a big problem here , page-2

It would seem that this issue has come to the fore with Chinalco's 9 per cent holding in RIO, in conjunction with all the other interests by the Chinese in Australian resource companies. Gov't seemingly shite scared of Chinese being able to control/manipulate commodity prices etc. accordingly - moreover, Australian companies in general.

Conversely, Chinese afraid of proposed BHP/RIO entity. Politically, as alluded too above, Gov't also may be concerned about Chinese state enterprises becoming big investors in Australian companies.

Whatever the issues, seems we are in the box seat if we are to believe comments made by Alexander Downer in a good article in this(long) weekend’s edition of fin/review on issues relating to Australia's current relationship with China": "China Coming to Dinner":

"China desperately needs Australian resources. Australia doesn't desperately need the Chinese market......Australia has enormous leverage over China in terms of its economic relationship and that is the one thing people don't understand. That is typically Australian - we can't believe even for a moment that we have the upper hand in terms of the economic relationship with China."

So, on this basis would be saying to the Chinese: "Don't mind if you have your snout around our trough but.....we will let you know have far you dip it". Pay up you buggers!

Gov't needing to balance between not dissuading investment and protecting Australian interests.

IMO of course.

Thanks Diggers.

Rest in peace.