Mr Rudd’s “third way” called for “a comprehensive political and economic relationship where we agree on our common interests both in the region and on the world stage and bilaterally as well.”

 

He also called for “greater common exercising” with the Chinese to avoid “accidents, mishaps or misconceptions.”

 

Senator Trood said Mr Rudd’s remarks were nothing more than a convoluted reworking of the Coalition’s long standing strategy emphasising ‘shared interests and mutual respect’, dressed up in Kevin Rudd’s beloved management-speak.

 

“Given Mr Rudd’s previous approach to China has been to fawn over them publicly and vilify them in the crudest language in private, I have serious doubts about his ability to take the middle path.”

ENDS