Change was inevitable for LAME's in the airline industry, but not as dramatic as we have seen recent times.
Nor have we seen before, such a compliant regulator to the airlines wishes by undermining safe practices and become reliant on the design of newer and more complex aircraft.
Joyce and co. want blind monkeys to carry out the work of engineers and pilots and apparently think that all the flying public is OK with that. Strangely enough, I think a good chunk might be.
I have never before seen a company so set on dominating its staff that it is prepared to sacrifice customers in the process by grounding the airline, NO MATTER WHAT IT COSTS (the shareholders)
There is nothing Qantas can possibly bring to China that the Chinese aren't perfectly capable of doing themselves if they want to. There is zero competitive advantage for Qantas.
Sunfish is right again, and this insight is just the tip of the iceberg for business being done in Asia.