I've noticed an increasing number of commentators bring out opinion pieces in opposition to things like the Ausgrid decision (which apparently was a unanimous vote of the FIRB) as well as agricultural land knockbacks.

It would not surprise me at all if members of the 4th estate were taking cash to speak up for China's interests.

Could be...they have a track record of cash for peripheral governments sympathy for their south 'China' sea strategy....Probably wasted money....
My fervent hope is they get stupid and damage or shoot down an American or Japanese aircraft doing its duty in international airspace - north or south - whichever the lying Chinese claim.  In which case, China gets violent hell inflicted on it....and is ceased as a nation.  The Americans have the firepower to do it, the will, and the popular support. The Japanese won't shrink back either and attack with superior equipment and superior bravery.  Having lived there for years - I have no doubt of their resolve or ability.  Plus they can bolt nukes together faster than you can say 'okonomiyaki'....They're not stupid - and know the showdown with China is only a matter of time.
The world doesn't need China....even Australia doesn't.  We can make things again with our own resources...like other countries will. And life without their junk will be - an improvement

bogarde73 wrote on Aug 16^th, 2016 at 10:17am:

I've noticed an increasing number of commentators bring out opinion pieces in opposition to things like the Ausgrid decision (which apparently was a unanimous vote of the FIRB) as well as agricultural land knockbacks. It would not surprise me at all if members of the 4th estate were taking cash to speak up for China's interests.

You could bet London to a brick on that and win!

I remember some years ago (around 2000), there was some visit from a Chinese Leader to Australia that was getting lots of protesters (pro Dalai Lama ?)

anyway suddenly all the Chinese students in Australia were protesting in opposition to the other protestors. I even witnessed it personally in Canberra

The word had it they were being contacted by the Chinese Government.