The 'muscles' who came via Brussels: Meet the 'charming' Shakespeare-quoting Chinese diplomat EVERYONE'S talking about - who is on a long-lunch crusade to mend ties between Australia and our biggest trading partner
- Wang Xining is China's second-highest ranking official who lives in Australia
- He spoke at National Press Club in Canberra about strained diplomatic ties
- Senior Australian politicians have praised the polite diplomat for his actions
Amid tough times between Australia and her biggest trading partner, China has quietly deployed its secret weapon.
Wang Xining is the Shakespeare-quoting diplomat sent to fix Australia's struggling relationship with the superpower.
Launching an incredible charm offensive Wang, who previously worked as the Chinese EU embassy spokesman, in Brussels, gave an impassioned speech at the Press Club, in Canberra, on Wednesday night.
He abandoned the aggressive 'wolf warrior' rhetoric typically associated with China and instead compared Australia's request for a COVID-19 inquiry to the betrayal of Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
'I think it's approximately identical to Julius Caesar in his final day when he saw Brutus approaching him, "Et tu, Brute?"' he said.
Minister Wang showcased his charm, diplomacy and debating skills before aptly using Julius Caesar's famous last line of betrayal 'Et tu, Brute?' to showcase how the nation feels about Australia
China's Deputy Head of Mission, Wang Xining (pictured), spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra
Wang also said he would rather see the 'sunny side' of Australia's cooperation and urged both parties to 'refrain from imposing one's one idea onto the other'.
'China does not interfere in Australia's internal affairs, nor do we have any intention to change Australia's political or social culture,' he said.
'While a rift between husband and wife hurts one family, a rift between two countries hurts millions.'
His thoughtful speech titled 'China and Australia: Where to from here?' comes at a time of friction between the two governments.
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Tensions spilled over in April when Australia called for an inquiry into the origin of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Wuhan province of China.
This was followed by Beijing hitting Australia with tough restrictions on barley, beef and wine.
During his speech he said Australia's push for the inquiry must have been at the behest of the United States.
'We don't think this conforms to the spirit of comprehensive, strategic partnership. It lacks the least courtesy and diplomacy,' he said.
Given the current tariffs, the National Press Club event served a tongue-in-cheek menu of ginger, shallot and chilli glazed Wagyu beef with pearl barley - and red wine.
Wang excitedly gestured to his plate before he tucked in to the extravagant meal.
During the event, he tried to avoid questions about the attempts by Australian Ministers, including Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, to speak to their Chinese counterparts.
Wang expertly sidestepped the topic and blamed the global pandemic.
'Under COVID-19 it’s not possible to organise face-to-face exchanges between leaders of countries and even senior ministers. But the diplomatic channels are always open,' he said.
Despite the contentious issues, Wang largely won over the crowd.
Australia's first ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Stephen Fitzgerald, spoke to The Australian and called the speech enormously impressive.
'He tried to be constructive. That was the most interesting thing,' he explained.
The National Press Club served a tongue-in-cheek menu of ginger, shallot and chilli glazed Wagyu beef served with pearl barley - and red wine.
Wang Xining (pictured centre) chastised the Australian Government for not consulting China before calling for an Inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan
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