Fixing China ties pays off, Marles says but Dutton urges arms build-up

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“These actions made our already deeply complex relationship with China much harder. Indeed it is hard to imagine a relationship less suited to simplistic platitudes. “It must be possible to say that we value a productive relationship with China. Because quite obviously China matters. Today this is an uncontroversial statement to make. But a year ago, it was a statement that brought populist condemnation.” Mr Marles’ said stabilising the relationship had seen ministerial dialogue and visits resume and trade bans slowly lifted. “We are stabilising the relationship with China, without compromising our national interest and our sovereignty. And in the...