Australia seeks ‘unimpeded trade’ with China after costly sanctions

AFP, Sydney :
Australia on Monday asked China to resume “unimpeded trade” as ministers from the two countries held talks to repair their strained relationship.
China slapped hefty tariffs on key Australian exports such as barley, beef and wine in 2020 at the height of a bitter dispute with the former conservative government.
In recent years, they have also been jostling for influence in the strategically important South Pacific region.
Australia’s centre-left government has adopted a less confrontational stance since its election in May, and on Monday discussed the eventual “full resumption of trade” with Chinese officials.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said he spoke by video link to Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, stressing the need for “unimpeded trade for Australian exporters”.
The pair agreed to meet in person in China at an unspecified time.
The tariffs, as well as an unofficial ban on Australian coal, are estimated to have cost the country more than Aus$5 billion (US$3.47 billion) in revenue from Chinese markets.