Former Australian PM Scott Morrison Advocates for Democracy in China

Scott Morrison asserts that the Chinese people value freedom and dismisses claims that democracy is incompatible with Chinese culture.

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes China can embrace democracy, countering the notion that Chinese culture is inherently anti-democratic.
Morrison's tenure saw deteriorating Sino-Australian relations, notably after his call for a COVID-19 origin inquiry, leading to trade restrictions by Beijing.
Despite improvements in bilateral ties post-Morrison, he maintains that Australia's relationship with China is transactional, not values-based.
Morrison never formally visited China as PM but had informal meetings with President Xi Jinping, describing him as an initially charismatic but increasingly authoritarian leader.
The ex-PM's comments come amid scrutiny of China's international behavior, including cyberattacks and control over Hong Kong.