Let's just say for argument's sake I'm running China's political communications team - the Australian arm.

One of the first things I'd do is recognise the leader Scott Morrison is driven by public engagement

I'd note he's not one for doing things quietly or behind closed doors.

I'd study his behavior and that of his government.

I'd note how often he likes to talk.

How much of a show he likes to make and how often he does it.

I'd note what % of that appeals to Australian nationalism and xenophobia.

Then I'd brainstorm with digital strategists.

What we'd need to do is poke & provoke the Australian PM into his default performative behaviour.

I'd get the meme makers on the digital team to create something shockingly outrageous.

Aussie flag, Aussie military uniform, children, animals, blood - all the cliché triggers.

Then I'd get a high profile Chinese politician - one who's followed by lots of foreign media - to launch it on social media (followed up by an army of 50 cent bots on all the socials).

I'd fan it around a few foreign media outlets for good measure.

Then if all went according to plan, the Scott Morrison I'd studied would not be able to help himself.

He'd launch into a tirade of angry, patriotic chest thumping - playing it up for his base and his sympathetic media.

I'd know that, because I've studied them all very closely.

After the PM predictably took the bait from my very well baited hook, after he'd performed for his domestic audience for a while - I'd use it as a weapon to stimulate Chinese national pride.

Our country is under attack from this arrogant man!

I'd use his hostility against him.

I'd launch a small army of China sympathetic social media trollers to inflate the situation, creating outrage both within the country & overseas at how China is strong and stable and how hysterical and parochial Australia's leader is.

And my job would be done.

hook-line-sinker