Australian media made 'panda hugging' a sin: Chinese diplomat Wang Xining

China's No 2 diplomat in Australia has blamed "fabricated arguments" about threats to Australian sovereignty and security for making it "really difficult to be China's friend".

Speaking at an event hosted by the Australia China Business Council, Wang Xining said Australia and China had over the years developed a "multilayered, multi-sector" model of collaboration that had benefited both sides. But a "small number of people" had fuelled suspicions of the relationship, he said, singling out the Australian media for painting "negative portraits" of China and harming ties between the countries.

"Currently, the friends of China are given the nickname 'panda-hugger'," said Wang, whose remarks were made last week but published on the Chinese embassy's website on Monday.

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"It used to be a word of appreciation but now it carries derogatory meanings. It seems that being friendly to China, to be a friend of China, has become a sin and mistake in Australia."

Media outlets, Wang said, had chosen to carry negative reports about Chinese firms in Australia sending personal protective equipment (PPE) to China during the coronavirus pandemic, while ignoring or casting suspicion on efforts by Chinese suppliers to send medical equipment to Australia when Covid-19 cases rose in the country.

In June, Seven News apologised to Richard Yuan, a Chinese-Australian businessman, for suggesting he had attempted to profit from an attempted donation of medical supplies to the Australian government during the early days of the pandemic.

"Those who fought on the front-line against Covid-19 must understand how important PPE [supplies] are," said Wang, who is deputy head of mission at the Chinese embassy in Canberra. "But once again, China was hurt. The enthusiasm of our friends in Australia was chilled."

To the attendees, gathered at an event to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Wang said: "Most of you have been travelling to China, some of you have decades-long engagement with Chinese partners. You witness the change and evolution of China and respect China's cultural heritage and way of life. Maybe you don't fully agree with our model of governance and administration, but at least you respect and understand the reason behind our development path and model of governance."

He questioned why some had chosen "to make enemies to sustain a living" when others would choose to make friends for a better future.

"Those who deliberately vilify China and sabotage the friendship between our two countries and damage our long-term friendship [to benefit their own] selfish interest will be cast aside in history," Wang said.

"Their children will be ashamed of mentioning their names in history."

Wang's comments come after an annus horribilis in Sino-Australian relations that saw ties sink to their lowest point in decades amid disputes spanning the Covid-19 pandemic, trade, alleged espionage, and human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Beijing has restricted billions of dollars worth of Australian exports, including barley, beef, coal and copper since Canberra in April proposed an independent international inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.

Australian wine on a shop shelf in Shanghai, China. In December, China imposed new import duties on Australian wine. Photo: EPA alt=Australian wine on a shop shelf in Shanghai, China. In December, China imposed new import duties on Australian wine. Photo: EPA

Last week, the state-run Global Times accused Australia and three of its "Five Eyes" intelligence partners - the United States, Canada and Britain - of forming an "axis of white supremacy" and acting as a "racist, mafia-styled community" through their efforts to pressure China on human rights.

On Monday, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne expressed concern after 47 opposition figures in Hong Kong were charged with subversion under the city's national security law, urging authorities to uphold the rights and freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong's Basic Law and international law.

James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute in Sydney, said that while Wang was correct that it had become difficult to speak up in favour of close China ties in Australia, the diplomat had failed to acknowledge Beijing's behaviour as part of the problem.

"For example, he says, 'If you are in a difficult situation to be China's friend, don't worry, your Chinese friends will stand together with you, your friends in China will always be with you'," Laurenceson said.

"Well, tell that to Australian farmers who've been targeted for punishment by Beijing, despite having put years into building connections with China and having nothing to do with political tensions."

"Recently China has appeared an abusive friend," he added. "For its friends in Australia the pressure is coming from all sides."

Nathan Attrill, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said Wang's remarks were unlikely to change many minds in Australia.

"His speech is likely to be received poorly by those in Australia more critical of Beijing, and by others as further proof that the relationship cannot get back on track unless Canberra does a major mea culpa on its desire to speak on so-called sensitive issues," he said.

This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

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