China's Bullying Tactics Will Only Unite Its Foes
For many countries, the argument for diversifying exports and supply chains is suddenly a lot more persuasive.
China’s blocking Australian coal, not iron ore.
Photographer: David Gray/Bloomberg
In recent years, China has made no secret of its ire at perceived slights from other countries. Its anger has been expressed sometimes through the tweets and hawkish soundbites of aggressive young “wolf warrior” diplomats, and at other times through unofficial boycotts and politically motivated prosecutions. Various members of U.S.-constructed alliances have found themselves on the receiving end, including South Korea, Canada and even mild-mannered Norway.
Still, the broadside Chinese officials launched against Australia this week represents a notable escalation. The criticism was shockingly overt: The Chinese embassy in Canberra provided journalists with a list of 14 ways in which Australia had offended. The list was almost amusingly exhaustive, citing everything from the hurdles raised to Chinese investment in Australia to the federal government’s funding of critical think tanks.