Australian Trade Minister expressed optimism that China will soon lift its ban on live lobster imports, a move expected to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The ban on lobsters was part of a series of trade barriers imposed by China in 2020, which also affected Australian products such as beef, barley, coal, wood, and wine, costing exporters billions of dollars annually.
The strained relations between Australia and China escalated when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent developments indicate a positive shift in the trade dynamics between the two nations.
The upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Australia is seen as a significant step towards resolving trade issues. Minister Farrell highlighted that the removal of barriers on wine and beef exports in recent months has paved the way for the potential return of lobsters to the Chinese market.
During the visit, Premier Li will be accompanied by the Chinese Commerce Minister, with scheduled stops in Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. The Australian government views this visit as an opportunity to further enhance trade relations and build upon the progress made in recent discussions.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the importance of trade with China, noting that a significant portion of Australian jobs and export revenue relies on trade relations with the country. The recent developments, including the resumption of wine exports to China, indicate a positive trend in the trade relationship.
While trade relations show signs of improvement, tensions in the security domain persist, particularly concerning maritime disputes in the South China and Yellow seas. The Australian government remains committed to addressing security concerns and advocating for the release of detained Australian citizens, including blogger Yang Hengjun.
The visit of Premier Li and the ongoing efforts to strengthen trade ties reflect a broader strategy by the Australian government to navigate the complex dynamics of its relationship with China, balancing economic interests with security considerations.
