Part 2/7:
On the surface, China's posture appeared conciliatory, with an emphasis on friendliness and cooperation. However, key figures like China’s number two, Vice Premier Lee Chong, delivered pointed messages that suggested a more stern stance. In particular, Lee Chong expressed confidence that Australia would treat Chinese enterprises "fairly," a statement perceived as a subtle rebuke of Australia's current foreign investment policies. These policies have increasingly scrutinized, and in some cases restricted, Chinese investments linked to the Chinese Communist Party.