China-Australia relations: Canberra reached out to Beijing at ‘every possible level’, minister says
- Australian trade minister Simon Birmingham reiterated claims that the ‘ball is in China’s court’ in their ongoing trade dispute
- Canberra will not change positioning on human rights issues, after China said statements on issues like Hong Kong and Xinjiang are fraying ties
Australia has “reached out at every possible level and pathway in terms of writing to Beijing” in a bid to repair fraying tensions with China, but will not budge on its criticism of “international human rights obligations”, trade minister Simon Birmingham said on Wednesday.
The ball is in Beijing’s court in the sense that it is up to them as to whether they are willing to come to the table to have those talks too,
“I and other Australian government ministers are willing to take phone calls, engage with our counterparts, have meetings with our counterparts. We have expressed that very clearly – we’re willing to have that dialogue. The ball is in Beijing’s court in the sense that it is up to them as to whether they are willing to come to the table to have those talks too,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Zhao also mentioned Australia’s banning Chinese companies from its 5G network and allegations of Chinese “intervention and infiltration” of its domestic affairs.