Australia called on China on Monday to resume “unimpeded trade” as ministers from the two countries held talks to mend their strained relationship.
Beijing slapped 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.
The previous Australian government angered China by repeatedly questioning its human rights record and pushing for an independent investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Australia’s current centre-left government has taken a less confrontational stance since it was elected last May and on Monday spoke of a possible “full resumption of talks” with Chinese officials.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said he spoke via video link with his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, stressing the need for “unrestricted trade for Australian exporters”. They agreed to meet in person in China on an unspecified date.
More than 5 billion Australian dollars
The tariffs, along with a de facto embargo on Australian coal, have cost Australia more than A$5 billion ($3.47 billion) in exports to Chinese markets.
Don Farrell said the meeting was “an important step in stabilizing Australia’s relationship with China.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken backed out of a rare visit to Beijing on Friday after the Pentagon accused China of flying a “spy” balloon over the US state of Montana.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday urged the two “great powers” to find a diplomatic solution.
Penny Wong visited Beijing in December 2022, the first such visit by an Australian foreign minister in four years.
In recent years, Australia and China have been locked in a struggle for influence in the strategically important South Pacific region.
Source: BFM TV
