Australian MP Clive Palmer denounced for anti-Chinese rant

Want China Times, Staff Reporter 2014-08-21

Clive Palmer. (Internet photo)

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has been roundly condemned for an anti-Chinese diatribe on TV, reports China's Beijing News.

Palmer, a mining tycoon and the head of the Palmer United Party who was elected to parliament last year, launched a tirade asked about his dispute with his business partner, the Chinese state-owned Citic Pacific, on the ABC's Q&A program on Aug. 18.

"So far they've (Citic Pacific) shifted AUS$200 million (US$186 million) worth of iron ore out of this country without paying for it. I don't mind standing up against the Chinese bastards and stopping them from doing it," he said.

Later he referred to Chinese people as "mongrels" who "shoot their own people." "They haven't got a justice system and they want to take over this country," Palmer said.

On Aug. 19, Palmer said on Twitter that his statement on ABC was aimed at Citic Pacific and not Chinese people in general. His words were attacked however by politicians and business leaders. Treasurer Joe Hockey said Palmer's remarks were "hugely damaging."

Hockey said Palmer has been the beneficiary of Chinese investment. "He is in a very obvious legal dispute with his Chinese partners but I'd say to Mr Palmer, please don't bring down the rest of Australia because of your biases."

Australia's foreign minister, Julie Bishop, also said Palmer's words were "offensive, unnecessary and unacceptable for a member of parliament to make."

Opposition leader Bill Shorten called Palmer's words "irresponsible and certainly not in Australia's best interests," while the premier of Western Australia, Colin Barnett, referred to Palmer as an "embarrassment" who shows the worst of Australia.

The Australian Industry group condemned Palmer in a public statement, saying his comments may damage the reputation of Australia as a destination for investment and partner for trading.

The Chinese embassy in Australia denounced Palmer's comments as "absurd and irresponsible"

"We believe that a sound China-Australian relationship serves the fundamental interests of both countries. It is and always will be supported by the two peoples," the embassy said in a statement.

Palmer and Citic Pacific have been in a disagreement regarding mining rights and the management of Cape Preston in Western Australia. In July, Citic Pacific alleged that Palmer removed US$12 million from their joint account for inappropriate use including election campaigning. Palmer rejected the accusation.

Palmer made about US$1.2 billion through Citic Pacific by mining ore at the Pilbara on the northern coast of Western Australia.

In 2012, the mogul announced plans to build a replica of the RMS Titanic, Titanic II, with China's CSC Jinling Shipyard but the plan has reportedly been suspended.