China News Service, May 18th. In recent times, Australia's series of “controlling China” behaviors has led to tighter relations with China. Many Australian exporters have suffered severe blows. Business people have criticized the words and deeds of the Australian Federal Government.

In response to this, China once again calls on Australia to stop the wrongdoing that interferes with the investment and trade cooperation between the two countries and take actions to promote the healthy development of China-Australia relations.

Data map: Australian Prime Minister Morrison.

Australia-China relations deteriorate

Australian Federal Government’s China Policy Approved

　　"Australian Financial Review" reporter Michael Smith pointed out in an article on May 16 that Australian business leaders are frustrated by the deterioration of Australia-China relations.

Many corporate executives who do business with China privately attribute the blame to Australian Prime Minister Morrison instead of accusing China.

　　Michael Smith said that “few people blame China for the decline in Australia-China relations after the outbreak...Business leaders have criticized Morrison and his ministers for their diplomatic skills.”

　　The article said, “Business leaders want to know why the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marys Payne, would ask for an independent investigation into the origin of the virus, why the Australian government would consider tearing up the Darwin Port lease, and why Australian politicians would discuss with someone stronger than us. More countries go to war?"

　　The article quoted the Australian ambassador to China Fu Guanhan as saying: "We hope to see the two sides return to a more constructive relationship. If the relationship between Australia and China continues to deteriorate, it will only lead to a gradual decoupling, which is not in the actual interests of the two countries."

Data map: Melbourne, Australia, a tram driving along a city road.

Unwilling to

beat the

"drums of war"

Australian business organization calls on the government to stop incitement

　　In addition, the “Australian” recently published an article that Australia’s largest industry association urged its government to ease tensions between Australia and China through “negotiations, common sense and diplomacy”.

　　The article quoted Innis Willox, the chief executive of the Australian Industries Group, in a speech to officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pointing out that Australia is facing a long and worrying "liquidation day" between its security and economic relations.

　　He said that tensions (Australia and China) may escalate, and called for an end to inflammatory language. For example, the Secretary-General of the Department of the Interior of Australia Michael Pezullo previously said that "the drum of war has been beaten."

　　Willocks pointed out, “In terms of security, of course, the reality may get worse before it improves, far worse than it is now, but this situation will only be after the complete failure of negotiations, common sense, and diplomatic efforts. Happens." He called on everyone to work hard to ensure that this does not happen.

He also said that he would not hear "war drums from the Australian business community".

　　The article pointed out that this remark was also supported by other well-known corporate figures, including the former Liberal Party MP and Warwick Smith who is now in charge of the Australian Business Council’s international exchanges.

He said: "Some actions of our government could have been handled in more detail. Some commentators have indeed exacerbated these problems."

　　Warwick Smith admitted, "There is something in common between companies and the government in how we deal with this issue. I have been in China for many years, and things shouldn't be as bad as they are now."

Data map: Sydney citizens are buying daily necessities.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Tao Shelan

Wine, lobster, beef are still looking forward to returning to the Chinese market

China speaks again: Australia should stop interfering with trade cooperation

　　The trade dispute between Australia and China has also hindered the trade of high-end products such as wine and lobster with China.

　　The trade between the beef processors of Southern Queensland Wagyu producer Chantel Winter and China came to an abrupt halt.

Winter said that she has now found a new supply chain and meat factory, and her premium beef is still looking for ways to return to the Chinese market.

　　"I just want to continue to survive, do what we do best, and hope to continue to supply the market," Winter said.

"Politics aside, let us focus on our products and pay attention to the quality of Australian products."

　　At present, the tense trade relationship between Australia and China is in sharp contrast with the "historic" Australia-China Free Trade Agreement signed in 2015.

"At that time, we were broadening our economic relationship with China," said Mr. Raj of the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank.

"The current situation is that our relationship is facing regression."

　　Jin Xiandong, Director of the Policy Research Office of China’s National Development and Reform Commission and spokesperson for the Committee, said on May 18 that the Australian Federal Government has unreasonably restricted and suppressed China-Australia investment and trade cooperation projects and existing results, which has damaged mutual trust between the two countries and seriously Affect the confidence of enterprises to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation.

In this regard, we have to make a proper and necessary response, and Australia should bear full responsibility for this.

　　China urges Australia to treat China-Australia cooperation objectively and rationally, treat Chinese companies fairly and fairly, stop misconduct that interferes with investment and trade cooperation between the two countries, and take actions to promote the healthy development of China-Australia relations.