As Canberra pushes for commercial liberalization and diplomatic stability, Australia’s commercial Minister landed in Beijing on Thursday to meet his Chinese counterpart.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said he would “be advocating strongly for the full resumption of unimpeded Australian exports to China – for all sectors – to the benefit of both countries and in the interests of Australian exporters and producers” in Beijing with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
He told Beijing’s Capital Airport reporters that both sides had goodwill but needed to do more.
“Strong trading relationships between Australia and China will achieve peace in our region,” he added.
The duo would chair a Joint Ministerial Economic Commission, established in 1986.
China is Australia’s greatest commercial partner, with two-way goods trade valued at A$287 billion ($195 billion) in 2022, led by iron ore shipments that China cannot simply replace. However, However, Australian trade ministers have not visited China since 2019.
After Australia called for an international inquiry into COVID-19’s origins, Beijing imposed trade restrictions on Australian wine, beef, barley, coal, seafood, and timber exports in 2020. Beijing also detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei on national security charges.
Canberra already banned Huawei from its 5G network for national security reasons.
Since a Labor government was elected in May 2022, diplomatic tensions have eased. Still, a defense shake-up announced last month will bring Australia closer to its security alliance partner, the United States.
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told British television that his administration “hasn’t engaged in inflammatory rhetoric” towards Beijing.
As a WTO panel was ready to deliver its conclusions, Australia delayed its protest against Chinese barley tariffs last month, allowing China time to reassess the 2020 80.5% penalties.
“The Australian Government is pleased there have been several positive trade developments, including the resumption of coal, cotton, and copper trade and China’s agreement to undertake an expedited review of duties on Australian barley,” said Farrell.
Australian customs data indicates that Australia sold $40 million worth of copper ore and concentrate to China early this year, the first shipment month since 2020. The industry hopes commerce will continue.
“Other issues of importance to Australians” may pertain to human rights situations, as Farrell stated.
Albanese said his administration would continue to raise Cheng’s 1,000-day Beijing detention.
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