[quote=Norton;589295]Rudd if I'm not mistaken is the only "western" leader who can and does speak Mandarin. He gave a speech in Mandarin at a University in China in the last couple of days. The bulk of Australia's trade is with China and IMO as the leader of Australia, Rudd must consider the long term potentially negative economic implications for Australia if he boycotts the Olympics. If I were he, no way, as there is much to lose and little to gain.

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Actually Rudd has stood his ground under some heavy criticism from Chinese officials re his stance on Tibet.
Red carpet and a rebuke for Rudd - National - theage.com.au

Not at all the picture Blackgang is trying to paint.