Australia’s goodwill gestures with China will hurt its own industries – Global Times

Amid deteriorating Australian-Sino tensions amid persisting trade issues, China’s highly-influential news outlet, Global Times, warns that Canberra’s trade war escalation could negatively impact its own industries.

Key takeaways

“Rather than reflecting on its own remarks and moves, Australia has tried to fabricate claims of China triggering a so-called trade war against Australia and China refusing to communicate.”

“Alongside Canberra's attempts to put pressure on ties with Beijing, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently said that Australia desires an open, transparent and mutually beneficial relationship with China as its largest trading partner. This has been regarded as a gesture to mend relations with China.”

“Betting on both sides through extending an olive branch while trying to exert pressure at the same time is neither practical nor beneficial for Australia; instead, it will further hinder the bilateral relationship and cast a shadow on Australian industries.”

This comes after Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said over the weekend that they prepare to escalate action against China to World Trade Organization (WTO) over barley tariffs.

Responding to Australia’s claims, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: "Chinese competent authorities' measures on imported products are in line with Chinese laws and regulations and international customary practices. They are being responsible to Chinese consumers and domestic industries."