Australian MP Clive Palmer apologizes for insulting Chinese

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

Palmer said in a written statement: "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 had expressed its strong indignation and severe condemnation against Palmer's insults.

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

The Australian government and people from all walks of life in the country also expressed their strong condemnation and emphasized that Palmer, with these insulting remarks, could by no means represent the Australian government and people.