Former Australian China envoy warns coalition of self-inflicted diplomatic setbacks

Graham Fletcher, who served as Australia’s ambassador to Beijing from 2019 to 2023, told the Australia in the World podcast that the Morrison government’s reaction to Beijing’s coercion was partly driven by politicians who liked to be portrayed as victims. He said the list of “14 grievances” handed to a journalist was not a formal Chinese demand and was amplified by Australian officials, including a senior minister who reportedly laminated the list for overseas use.

Fletcher noted that the 2022 Labor election provided a chance to reset relations, but warned that China’s current focus on ideological control under President Xi Jinping is stifling innovation and risk-taking in its economy. He contrasted today’s closed stance with the openness of the 1980s when China welcomed new ideas. The former diplomat urged both sides to move beyond blame and seek pragmatic compromise.