China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.Credit:AP
Wang identified the decision to block APA Group's $13 billion gas pipeline cash takeover bid from Hong Kong-based CK Infrastructure Holdings in 2018 and a $600 million deal forLion Dairy&Drinks from China's Mengniu Dairy in 2020 as breaches.
"Recently we've seen many reports in which Australia dresses up as a victim,pointing an accusing finger at China,directly or by insinuation,"he said."In fact,it is the Australian side that has been politicising economic,investment and technological issues,and discriminating against Chinese companies. It has gone so far down the wrong path."
It is the first time China's Foreign Ministry has specifically mentioned the deals.
"The China-Australia FTA makes it clear that the FTA should provide convenience for investors in both countries and continues to screen investments at lower threshold,"Wang said.
The Lion Dairy& Drinks plant in Morwell. Australia blocked a sale of the business to Chinese interests.
"So,what's done by the Australian side went against the FTA. Because of these discriminatory actions,Chinese companies'investments in Australia have nosedived since 2017,and the number of investments last year decreased by 85 per cent compared to the 2016 level."
The Foreign Investment Review Board[FIRB] did not recommend blocking either deal,leaving the Australian government vulnerable to China's claims of political interference.