Australia Claims Beijing is Failing to Advance Trade Agreements
Despite Canberra’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Beijing, there are still significant trade barriers impacting Australian goods.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to continue reducing tariff barriers on Australian imports to play a more constructive role internationally.
While tariffs on products like wine, barley, and meat have decreased, Senator Wong discussed remaining issues, including Australian rock lobster imports, with Wang during a meeting in New York on Sept. 25.
In her opening statements, Wong emphasized the need to address disagreements rather than ignore them, quoting a Chinese saying about finding common ground.
Wong stressed the importance of Beijing playing a positive role on the global stage.
Economist Ben Herscovitch from Australian National University noted that the relationship between Canberra and Beijing has somewhat plateaued, despite improvements.
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Despite positive developments in the trade relationship, obstacles to live lobster and two red meat exporters persist.
Expectations are high that the lobster ban will be lifted following a meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Li Qiang in Australia in June.
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Herscovitch expressed concerns about China’s role as an honest mediator in repairing the relationship, citing trade policies that may hinder its CPTPP membership bid.
He predicted that China’s push to join the CPTPP as Australia assumes the chair in 2025 may face resistance from other members due to concerns over coercive trade practices.
Joining the CPTPP requires unanimous agreement from existing members, and countries like Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia may oppose China’s entry due to CCP’s aggressive trade policies.
Despite punitive measures against members, Herscovitch stated that Beijing would intensively lobby Australia when it chairs the bloc.
Albanese noted progress in lobster trade between the two nations, emphasizing the mutual benefit of Australian exports to China.
Efforts are being made by Australian officials to address remaining issues in lobster exports to China following additional regulatory demands.
China stands as Australia’s largest trading partner, accounting for a substantial portion of Australian exports and investments.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is currently in Beijing engaging in trade discussions with Chinese officials and business leaders.
AAP contributed to this report.
