The global pandemic that reportedly started in the wet markets of Wuhan, China has deteriorated China’s diplomatic relations with around the country. Now, a fresh feud with Australia continues to escalate as one Chinese journalist described Australia as a “gum stuck to the bottom of our shoe”.
The journalist who sparked controversy was Hu Xijin, editor of the Global Times. Like almost all other media sources in mainland China, Global Times is also ran by the Chinese Communist Party.
On his Weibo account – the Chinese equivalent of Twitter account- Hu said that the Chinese should be more conscious when conducting business or sending Chinese students to study in Australia after the pandemic settles.
He continued how Australia has always been causing problems for China and its people. After likening the Oceanian country to a gum stuck to the soles of a shoe, he said that sometimes you need a rock to get rid of the gum.
Hu is not alone in the anti-Australian sentiment that prominent Chinese officials have expressed. Chinese ambassador to Australia Jingye Cheng had recently implied a trade boycott to his host country.
In a statement that defies most established rules of diplomacy, Ambassador Cheng said that the ordinary Chinese citizens may begin to wonder whether they want to consume Australian beef or wine if hostilities continued in this manner. The Australian Trade Minister said that the government officially expresses its displeasure with the statement.
These threats can be of practical danger to Australia. Accounting for just over one quarter of Australia’s entire trade, China is the biggest single export partner for various Australian goods and services. Of course, China has benefited by trading with Australia, especially in regards to natural resources.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that his government will continue to push for a global investigation into how the virus began. There have been talks outside of China over whether the Chinese government should be held accountable for the financial losses it has incurred.
In response to the Australian government’s denouncement, the Chinese embassy in Australia stood by the Ambassador’s comments, and said that Australia’s stance towards China is a political one that is not benefiting anyone.
It seems that Covid-19 is revealing and widening gaps between nations. Share with us your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on Facebook for more news like this one.
Replaced!