Executives from all 16 Chinese steel mills participating in iron ore price talks this year have been bribed by Rio Tinto employees, an industry insider claimed yesterday, amid reports that the government is considering invalidating 20 iron ore import licences to regulate the chaotic ore import business.
That is the sensational claim published in this morning’s edition of the English language China Daily.
As a result, the scope of China’s inquiry has broadened since it first detained Australian national and Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu on suspicion of spying and stealing state secrets, as well as three other Rio Tinto employees, on 5 July.
China Daily‘s website says:
Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corp (Ansteel) is among five major Chinese steel makers reported to be embroiled in the espionage scandal linked to Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto, the latest episode in a widening investigation into alleged leaks of State secrets.
The nub of the bribery allegation, not contained in the version of the story on the paper’s website when the Breakfast Wrap was compiled, is this:
The China Daily report says:
The chinese wouldn’t have to look far for an example of how the
Australian Government views bribery when dealing in international markets.
The Australian Wheat Board would fit the template perfectly.
320 million paid to a country we were about to participate in the bombing of
in under the table payments followed by a government orchestrated show trial.
Resulting in complete exoneration for the main participants of the criminal
conspiracy and so far no one bought to account.
Its all chinese to me……
This story was in The New York Times yesterday morning (AEST) – not quoting other media sources.
I found it extraordinary that none of the local media seemed to have picked up on it by last night.
I guess that’s what Crikey is all about.
It will be interesting to see Turnbull’s reaction.
“let us bribe you or else we’ll cut off supply.”
huh?
that’s a new one on me.
oh yes, the China Daily. That bastion of fearless and independent investigative reporting …
If they are not careful with this affair, the media and opposition will end up with a cross between Shapelle Corby and Utegate. The hysterical over reaction to Hu’s arrest is typical of our ‘all foreigners are evil’ mentality. How do we know that he has done nothing wrong – because he’s a ‘businessman’? Oh please! If he has been bribing Chinese officials to get confidential information then it’s a crime – as it would be here. Before we get all self righteous about China we should remember our own saintly business men (Vizard, Pratt, Wheat Board etc etc) before we cast the first premature stone.