Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes that China has the potential to become a multiparty democracy, despite the current lack of such a system. He argues that the Chinese people value freedom as much as other cultures, but they lack the opportunity to exercise it in mainland China. Morrison's view challenges the notion that democracy is incompatible with Chinese culture.
During Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister, relations between China and Australia deteriorated significantly. Beijing imposed trade restrictions on Australian exports after Morrison called for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. However, ties have improved since the election of the Labor government in 2022.
Morrison acknowledges that Australia's relationship with China will remain transactional rather than values-based, due to the nature of the Chinese government. However, he believes that it could potentially be values-based with the Chinese people.
Morrison met with Chinese President Xi Jinping several times during his time in office. He describes Xi as an "able politician" who initially presented a charismatic exterior, but later adopted a more authoritarian outlook.
Morrison also expresses concerns about China's Belt and Road Initiative, which he views as an attempt to expand China's influence and build an empire.