Part 5/10:
Schub notes that Prime Minister Albanese’s efforts to deepen engagement with China seem to have emboldened the Chinese government, which remains as ruthless and oppressive as ever. He warns that attempts to ingratiate oneself with China may result in losing leverage and autonomy, as Beijing may interpret such gestures as weakness or submission. There’s a real concern that Australian politicians and business figures could be walking into a diplomatic trap, risking their national interests by being too deferential.