China should know ‘you can’t shout at Australians and make them obey’

China should re-consider how it conducts its diplomacy in the wake of the “despicable” rhetoric coming from some of Beijing’s diplomats, according to former foreign minister Alexander Downer.

Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye has not shied away from combative rhetoric in recent days, first warning that Chinese tourists may boycott visiting Australia and arguing it was laughable for the government to feel vindicated after a World Health Assembly (WHA) passed a resolution calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

In the aftermath of the WHA passing a resolution backing an investigation into the novel pathogen, China has levied an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley exports, with reports other sectors could be targeted.

Mr Downer told Sky News the government has done well to remain calm in the face of the rhetoric coming out of the Chinese embassy.

“If I were the Chinese ambassador in Canberra, before I went to bed at night, I’d think to myself, am I achieving my objectives in this country?” he said.

“Am I not only understanding Australia, which good diplomats should do, but the ultimate diplomat is somebody who can exercise some influence over the host country.

“Well, however are you going to exercise any influence by abusing Australia?”

He (Cheng Jingye) should try and understand how a liberal democracy work."

Видео China should know ‘you can’t shout at Australians and make them obey’ канала Sky News Australia