Australian Business leaders slam Gillard on US move

According to the newspaper, Mr. Palmer said the decision to allow the US to base 2500 marines in Darwin and increase US use of local air and naval facilities would hurt local business relations with China.

He said the move forced many business leaders to avoid last week's state dinner with Mr. Obama.

“Why do you think the likes of BHP and me didn’t go to the dinner?” Mr. Palmer told the AFR.

“We have real interests in China and know how the Chinese act” he added.