It is a great concern that the Victorian Premier appears to be looking to fund his rail and renewables (and other) projects from China's belt and road initiative.
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To be clear this is not about the people of China or Chinese people who have chosen to live (as I have) in our wonderful Australia. So please no race calling on this issue.
This is about being shackled to the Communist regime of China forever.
There are too many examples around the world of this occurring. African countries such as Zimbabwe (where I grew up) are forever bound to following the orders from Beijing.
It always looks so rosy..."we can build fast rail and be world leaders in wind and solar" some politicians may say. "Our electorates will love us and we will remain in government for decades". This is way too simplistic.
As a strident advocate for fast rail to all our regional centres in Victoria, nothing would please me more than all this money flowing in to Victoria.
However in NO way can Victorians and Ballaratians support this funding 'arrangement'.
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I can honestly say that I would prefer to see no further rail development if the funding is from China.
The belt and road initiative is marketed as 'seeking to create a community of a shared future for mankind." This is merely code for 'we (China) now control you and your country.'
An ex-Zimbabwean minister this month stated: "If China is Zimbabwe's all-weather friend and not a new imperialist, a resource grabber, a rogue investor, a rogue donor, and a mad-dash, then it must cancel the illegitimate debt contracted without approval of the Parliament of Zimbabwe."
The Chinese regime has a 100-year plan to control the world and its way into Australia may well be through the current Victorian government. The early foray being the Darwin port.
Trade with China is one thing as it can easily be turned off. However funding the public sector in this way is simply falling for the trap of China's expansionism.
The answer by the way is simple. Stop it.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Today we do not have to look to China. There is plenty of funding to be had from 'friendlier' places. In this age of almost negative interest rates why not take a safe option for funding?
There is no reason for the citizens of Victoria to be held ransom by China. None, Zero.
However we still want fast rail to the regions but with legitimate funding.
Nick Beale is a rail advocate
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