The great call of China: What matters is how Australia answers

Peter Barry writes: China is a powerful nation, assertive and convinced of its destiny (“What does ‘national interest’ mean when it comes to Labor’s China policy?”). It has had an easy ride in many ways, disguising its authoritarian essence sufficiently to be granted privileges as a developing nation and have its ruthless treatment of minorities and dissidents overlooked. 

Disrespect for patent rights, industrial espionage and coercive behaviour have been tolerated as the price for access to a huge market and a cheap labour force. China has found wolf-warrior diplomacy to be counterproductive — it is far better to have multiple channels of communication and at least a veneer of civility and respect than to have name-calling and simmering resentment.