Two Smiths, one tact

Comments on Warwick Smith “Mr Smith goes to China”, 14/10/2009, http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2009/10/14/mr-smith-goes-to-china/

Smith says the following:

"The six principles announced by Treasurer Wayne Swan were widely viewed by the Chinese investors as directed against them. The principle that requires approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) of incoming investment by state entities seems to be targeted against inbound Chinese investment, although it is not the case at all."

It is hard to see how that principle is not targeted against inbound Chinese investment. Does Mr Smith have any facts to indicate it is not?

Was that really just a coincidence that those principles were introduced in the process of the Chinalco bid or shortly after its bid announcement? Are there many so called state entities that also invest internationally?

It seems Smith is defying not only the logic, but also the fact.

We should acknowledge the fact as it is. If it is right we stick with it. If it is wrong we correct it.

The argument is incomprehensible.

But I stand ready to be corrected by Smith.