Almost 30 years later, they remain a participant, having increased their share to 22.5 per cent.

During the negotiations, my team met many of their senior management.

Without exception they were professional, economically savvy and fully understood normal business and legal practices.

Many had completed postgraduate degrees at the world's leading universities.

They behaved like any large corporation executives in the west and it was a pleasure to deal with them.

This is in stark contrast to the views of Clive Palmer and his ignorant and offensive comments about the company and the Chinese people in general.

Mr Palmer has exemplified the rich bully who cannot get his own way. It shows that wealth doesn't buy you decency, respect and integrity.

I join with others in apologising for his appalling behaviour and assuring the Chinese people that he does not represent the views of the great majority of Australians.