Beijing: China on Thursday suspended an economic dialogue with Australia by launching a pressure campaign launched on Australian support for the investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.
Beijing also blocked imports of Australian coal, wheat, wine and other goods, bringing relations down to a low decade. The government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered no concessions.
The Chinese government has accused Australia of taking steps to disrupt the normal exchange due to a ‘Cold War mindset and ideological discrimination’. Beijing will “suspend all activities indefinitely” under the Strategic Economic Dialogue between China and Australia, according to a statement from the Cabinet Planning Agency, the National Commission for Development and Reform.
China holds such talks with Australia, the United States and other governments to discuss trade disputes and other economic issues.
China’s relations with Australia, India and a few other neighbors are increasingly strained by the ruling Communist Party’s assertiveness abroad, including claims in disputed territory and accusations Beijing is trying to influence politics in Australia and other Western democracies.
China blocked imports of most Australian goods last year after its government called for an inquiry into the country coronavirus, which appeared in Central China in late 2019.
Chinese ministers refuse to take calls from their Australian counterparts.
China is the foreign market no. 1 in Australia, but the impact on the sanctions is limited because Chinese steel mills are still buying Australian iron ore, the country’s most valuable export.
Last month, Australia canceled two deals signed by Victoria’s state government with Beijing’s $ 1 million ‘Belt and Road’ construction initiative based on ‘national interest’.
The Australian Foreign Secretary said the move was not aimed at a single country, but Beijing warned it could take revenge.
Source: Telangana Today