China’s silent treatment for Australia in beef, barley trade row viewed as new normal under ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomacy
- China imposed tariffs on Australian barley and banned exports of beef from four Australian abattoirs three weeks ago
- Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has since tried unsuccessfully to speak with China’s Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan
Since China imposed tariffs on Australian barley and banned exports of beef from four Australian abattoirs three weeks ago, Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has tried unsuccessfully to get in touch with his Chinese trade counterpart, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan.
Since the moves last month, China has also thrown two more trade-related sanctions at Australia. Last weekend, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a warning against travel to Australia due to a significant increase in racist attacks on “Chinese and Asian people”, and on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education issued a warning to its students looking to continue their studies at Australian universities when spring semester starts in July.
During a radio interview on Monday, Birmingham expressed his disappointment again at not being able to speak with Zhong despite trying several times to place a call. It is understood Birmingham’s request for a phone call “could not be facilitated at this time”.
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China's ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy counterproductive, says former Australian PM Turnbull
“As I've emphasised publicly, time and time again, Australia is open to have difficult discussions on matters upon which we may disagree with other countries but will do so respectfully, thoughtfully, calmly. And it's unfortunate when other nations won't respond or reciprocate in kind.”