Australian PM warns China in Rio Tinto spy case

Go Kevin Go!

What I don't like about the whole thing is that nobody considers the possibility of guilt. It was the same with Schapelle Corby, everyone jumped to support her when obviously she was guilty, merely because she was arrested in an Asian country that doesn't have the best relations with Australia. Smells of racism to me.

I don't think China gives a rat's ass about how Australia nor the world feels about this case.

China knows that they are Australia's largest trading partner. Having that distinction over others allows for a certain degree of 'I own you' attitude, which is obviously not right, but other large powers have played that sort of game all along.

cow76, Due to China's record of human rights violations it is a valid concern. It would appear to them that the Chinese are going to use him as a bargaining chip in the negotiations. Ten days being held in confinement without communication is very troubling. I find your accusation of racism troubling as well. There is no evidence of this just because a country is looking after one of its citizens welfare.

What I don't like about the whole thing is that nobody considers the possibility of guilt. It was the same with Schapelle Corby, everyone jumped to support her when obviously she was guilty, merely because she was arrested in an Asian country that doesn't have the best relations with Australia. Smells of racism to me.

I see your point, cow76 - and readily agree with you on the Schapelle Corby farce (anyone could see the woman was a bogan as guilty as sin) - however this present case is way different. The executive being detained is Chinese-Australian, so I can't really see how racism comes into play here.

Interestingly, the Chinese authorities are claiming Rio Tinto was attempting to bribe local officials in order to gain favour. Seems ironic - isn't "gift money" (bribery) par for the course in China, Japan, and most of Asia for that matter?

I've been hearing the Chinese are unhappy with Rudd because he hasn't truned out to be as China friendly as they hoped. By the way it's more than just the price talks that were contentiious, Rio Tinto rejected a bid by the Chinese government to buy a stake in the company. That alone and the way China operates confirms these men's innocense in my mind. As Altria said "go Kevin go"

cow76, the Chinese definition of "state secret" is nebulous and far reaching. This kind of thing usually happens to Taiwanese businessmen and isn't talked about much. There is little doubt in my mind that the Chinese are trying to skew the negotiations. Note how they are conducting their "trial" in the state run news organizations instead of briefing the Austrailian government about the charges. The Chinese are throwing their weight around, pure and simple.

I am so glad I am not doing business there any longer.

Here's more information on the allegations:

http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14025254&source=most_commented

China graduates the most spys in the world. -Eventually one would become a double or triple? agent.

I would imagine if this problem persists, arbitration procedures can be implemented later this year at the APEC Forum. :)

From my sources, trade problems will be contentious for the next few years due to political manuevering, so "en gard".

Another rumor is that because China is not happy with Australia 's defense white paper recently...Anyway aressting another country important citizen without charge( forget about allegations in corruption,spy, even a child won't believe it), without consular access is simply extreme arrogant at best. I wish Kevin Rudd just pick up the phone and call Chinese president

Rudd said it was in the best interests of all countries to resolve the matter.

Rudd has no balls! His country was in a bad shape and if hestubburn, other countries will step over him and took the deals!He is just helpless!

It also might be possible a commercial spy case. CIA are the best of these sort of matters. Pls refer to the following: “In September 1993, President Clinton asked the CIA to spy on Japanese auto .... German business leaders were alerted to the extent of US commercial spying” ... _THE NSA'S GLOBAL SPYING NETWORK By Patrick S. Poole_ Excerpts from Nexus Magazine Oct/Nov 1999