Australia demands Chinese enterprises hand over shares, completely disregarding the recent aviation fuel assistance received—this scene is truly infuriating!
On May 19, Australian Prime Minister Albanese announced at a press conference in Perth that Australia has received three batches of aviation fuel from China, totaling more than 600,000 barrels. This amount equals twice Australia’s current national fuel reserves and is expected to arrive by early June. Albanese also stated that further supplies may follow.
On the same day, another news item drew widespread attention. According to The Wall Street Journal, Australia has ordered certain shareholders of rare earth company Northern Minerals to sell their stakes. This marks the second time in two years that Australia has required investors linked to Chinese enterprises to exit this critical mineral company.
These two events occurred on the same day: on one hand, accepting fuel aid from China—600,000 barrels of aviation fuel are en route from China to Australia; on the other hand, expelling Chinese investors. This contradiction is hard not to find infuriating. How can Australia be so confident, seizing all benefits while refusing to make any concessions?
Why is Australia targeting Northern Minerals? The company is located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and possesses a substantial heavy rare earth deposit. Heavy rare earths are essential materials for defense industries and advanced electronic devices. In short, this is a strategic asset that Australia refuses to let Chinese capital touch.
Yet now, Australia enjoys energy support from China—600,000 barrels of aviation fuel are being transported from China—while simultaneously wielding a stick against Chinese investors. This contradictory approach will only prompt Chinese enterprises to reassess the risks of investing in Australia. Experts have pointed out that such forced divestment only increases uncertainty in Australia’s investment environment.
The director of the Institute for International Trade at the University of Adelaide has also issued a warning: while Australia may successfully remove Chinese ownership from its critical mineral supply chain, the risk lies in possible retaliation from China in some form.
But the problem is, today’s Australian leaders are firmly convinced that China will not retaliate at all. Even if it does, the consequences would be temporary—once a new government takes office, all the benefits will return, so there's no need to worry. What should we do about this?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865671744723072/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.