The continued detention of four Rio Tinto employees in China, including Australian national Stern Hu, looks likely to become a very sticky diplomatic situation for Kevin Rudd.
Rio’s China crisis escalates. The affair could take several paths from here and most of them lead to places Rio and the Australian Government do not want to be. — Malcolm Maiden, The Sydney Morning Herald
Lack of evidence adds to the mystery. Would being stronger in language be more appropriate and get better results, or simply make things worse? — Michelle Grattan, The Age
Big risk in nasty business. What does the much touted Australia-China relationship add up to if Beijing treats Canberra with such conspicuous discourtesy and indifference? Greg Sheridan, The Australian
China cannot afford to be vengeful. If China wants to take its rightful place at the top table of international economics and trade, it can’t be seen to be playing those sort of games. — David Prosser, The Independent
Country vs Company. Where does your loyalty lie? For Beijing, there is simply no question. If you are Chinese — or a foreign passport holder of Chinese origin — you work for China first, second and third. — Alexander Smith, Reuters
A challenge to Rudd. Given the respect Howard had in the region … China would have thought twice about such a move under his prime ministerial leadership. — Right Pulse
We have evidence. Rio employees “held for espionage — China Daily
The law will be followed. China to handle spy case of Rio Tinto employees “according to the law” — Xinhua
I have no sympathy for these multinational operatives and their games. So many business people from around the world have embraced the “China factory” for its cheap labour (read slaves) and its lack of worker’s rights in order to maximize profits.
If you get into bed with a MILITARY DICTATORSHIP don’t be surprised if at various times the Military dictatorship behaves like a MILITARY DICTATORSHIP.
I am sure all the Multinational companies that have transferred their operations to China and are making mega profits don’t mind the repression and oppressive legal structures, in fact they would like to have that type of political system here so they can pay their workers a pittance and if anyone gets out of line throw them in prison.
So as I said NO SYMPATHY.
Um, why does Crikey link to Greg Sheridan of all people? Was that a mistake?