The new Australian government is trying to turn the page on the confrontation with China, which is detrimental to its exports. His diplomacy even calls on Washington and Beijing to dialogue for a “peaceful, stable and prosperous region”.
After several years of tension and mutual restrictive measures between China and Australia, the two countries’ trade ministers have agreed to meet in China on an unspecified date. Quoted by AFP, Australian Minister Don Farrell said he spoke via video link with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, stressing the need for “unfettered trade for Australian exporters”.
Australia’s previous government angered China by repeatedly questioning its human rights record and pushing for an ‘independent’ investigation into the origins of the Covid outbreak. -19.
In response Beijing imposed steep tariffs on key Australian exports, such as barley, beef and wine, in 2020, at the height of a heated dispute with the former Conservative government. Customs duties, as well as an embargo in fact on Australian coal, cost Australia more than 5 billion Australian dollars (or 3.19 billion euros) of exports to Chinese markets.
Australia’s current centre-left government has taken a less confrontational stance since its election last May and has spoken, according to AFP, of a possible “full resumption of talks” with Chinese officials. The Australian minister called the planned meeting with his Chinese counterpart “an important step in stabilizing Australia’s relationship with China”.
For his part, Wang Wentao “said China is willing to expand cooperation in emerging areas, such as climate change and new energy, as well as promote the quality development of bilateral economic and trade relations”, reported the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
Canberra calls on Beijing and Washington to find a diplomatic solution
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on February 6, gave up a rare visit to Beijing after the Pentagon shot down, over the US state of Montana, a balloon described as a “spy” by Washington. . It was only a weather probe according to Beijing, which expressed its dissatisfaction by accusing, through the voice of its Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng, the United States of “seriously violating international practices”.
The Australian diplomat, Penny Wong, for her part urged the two “great powers” on February 6 to find a diplomatic solution.
“It’s very important, especially at a time like this, to make sure the rivalry doesn’t continue to escalate,” she said. And to add: “We all want a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, and that means, among other things, that the great powers talk to each other.”
