Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeks to “work the process” with the Chinese government to address the coal standoff amidst tensions between the two countries. More than $500 million worth of Australian coal and about 1,000 crew on ships are stuck following China’s move to blacklist Australian commodities and foodstuffs.
- Australia will work with China to get the best possible outcome, but the tensions wouldn’t be resolved by Australia surrendering its sovereignty. – Morrison.
- Morrison seeks to create a buffer against an assertive China by bolstering multilateral forums of “like-minded” liberal democracies.
- China has said that the coal shipments were delayed due to the strengthening of examination and testing of the imports and blamed Australia for strained ties.
- Australian authorities have had no direct contact with Beijing since April.
- Tensions escalated in April when Australia called for independent investigations into coronavirus origins without consulting Beijing.
- China has imposed tariffs on Australian barley exports, halted beef imports from several large meat plants, and warned its citizens against studying or going on holiday in Australia.
- China has cooled down on the conflict after PM Morrison said Australia does not seek to contain China economically and lauds them for helping more people out of poverty than any other country.
Australian and Chinese stocks are currently gaining. ASX is up 0.19%, SSE Composite Index is up 0.22%
