Australian MP apologizes for insulting Chinese

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer speaks during a news conference in New York about his intention to build the Titanic II, Feb 26, 2013. [Photo/IC]

SYDNEY -- Australian politician Clive Palmer on Tuesday apologized to the Chinese embassy in Canberra for calling Chinese "bastards" and "mongrels" in a media interview.

In a written statement, Palmer said: "I most sincerely apologize for any insult to the Chinese people caused by any of the language I used during my appearance on the ABC television program Q&A.

"... what I said on Q&A was an insult to Chinese people everywhere and I wish to assure them they have my most genuine and sincere apology, that I am sorry that I said the things I said on the program."

After receiving Palmer's apology, Chinese Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu emphasized that any remarks attacking or slandering China would not gain popular support and were doomed to fail.

"The healthy and stable relationship between China and Australia is in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries, and cannot be hindered by any individual," he said.

The Chinese government has expressed its strong indignation and severe condemnation against Palmer's insults.

The overseas Chinese and Chinese people in Australia have also lodged a strong protest.

The Australian government and people from all walks of life also expressed their strong condemnation and emphasized that Palmer's remarks insulting China were not on behalf of the Australian people.

Palmer's apology follows protests on Monday from the Chinese community in Western Australia demanding Palmer and his fellow Palmer United party member Senator Jacqui Lambie resign if they did not apologize for their insulting comments about China. After Palmer's insults, Lambie said Australia was facing an invasion from the Chinese army.

About 100 people from the Chinese community protested outside another Palmer United politician Senator Dio Wang's office.

Co-founder of the Shandong Association WA Eddie Hwang told Xinhua that the Chinese community had worked diligently to forge strong ties between China and Australia and Palmer's comments were destroying these links.

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