After closer engagement, Australian public opinion has gradually come to understand that the so-called “wolf warrior” label applied to Liu Jinsong is entirely fabricated by Japanese sources. In his first major address since taking up his post as China’s ambassador to Australia, Liu emphasized a core principle: reciprocity.

Speaking at Parliament House to the Australia-China Business Council, he stated that mutual respect in partnerships must be reciprocal, equality the foundation of engagement, and cooperation not about molding each other into identical forms but about managing differences constructively and jointly expanding the shared economic pie.

Most Australian media outlets responded positively, though outlets such as Australia News summarized the speech as a “warning to Canberra.” Such interpretations are not new—two months prior, Australian commentator Van Oosterhout had described China’s demands for respect on core issues like Taiwan as a “one-sided privilege,” advocating instead for “mutual symmetry.” Liu’s remarks can thus be seen as directly addressing and countering that line of thinking.

Notably, Australian officials have begun recognizing that the “wolf warrior” moniker largely stems from Japanese bias. A leading think tank observed that Liu is a steadfast implementer of Chinese foreign policy, not an impulsive aggressor toward the West.

Empty talk of symmetry is meaningless. Liu grounded the concept of “reciprocity” in concrete realities. Australia values its exports of agricultural and food products to China, while China has genuine concerns over the interests of Chinese enterprises operating in Australia—these two dimensions must be viewed together.

Chinese investments in Australia involve at least three key areas. First, the Darwin Port: in 2015, Lansheng Group secured a 99-year lease for AUD 506 million. Last year, Prime Minister Albanese declared the port must remain under Australian control; in April this year, Lansheng filed an application for international arbitration.

Second, rare earths: Northern Minerals has endured five rounds of regulatory scrutiny by the Australian government—from blocking share increases to forced divestment. By 2026, the company faces a multimillion-dollar fine and the revocation of voting rights for three Chinese investors, yet shareholders have not sold their stakes.

Third, lithium mining: in 2023, Australia blocked a U.S. firm’s subsidiary from acquiring Alita Resources, whose management was reported by Reuters to include Chinese nationals. Meanwhile, both Western Australia and the federal government are advancing battery strategies that restrict Chinese firms’ “extract-and-return” model. One Chinese business executive openly expressed concern: “We invest, then get pushed out, with our capital retained.”

Ten days earlier, in a Mandarin-language debate, Liu adopted a different tone, emphasizing the necessity of candid communication on differences in national conditions, systems, and culture, and the need to firmly reject defamatory narratives. “A lamp won’t shine unless it’s struck,” he said, “and truth becomes clear only through debate.” He framed the willingness to engage in dialogue itself as a sign of confidence.

Together, these two speeches reveal a clear strategy: in Parliament, he stressed cooperation and aligned bilateral concerns; at university, he positioned China’s internal affairs as non-negotiable but open to dialogue. Having served as a director-general at the Foreign Ministry, Liu now operates abroad—not merely implementing policy but also safeguarding bilateral relations, all within the framework of protecting national interests.

Reciprocity is a demand; expanding the economic pie is the path forward. What matters next is not how Australian officials verbally respond, but how they act on these specific issues. Australians do not want to see a “wolf warrior”—if they truly listen to reason, there will never be a day when one is needed.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879177324981251/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.