China-Australia relations: Ukraine war clouds efforts to repair trade ties after PM Morrison warns Beijing of sanctions
- The odds of China and Australia returning to the negotiation table to repair their trade relationship is being complicated by the Ukraine war and upcoming federal election
- The uncertainty hovering over the relationship – and the potential for things to worsen as the Ukraine crisis drags on – is causing concern for some Australian companies
The Ukraine war and upcoming federal elections in Australia are adding a new layer of complexity to a protracted trade dispute between Canberra and Beijing, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Australian businesses affected by trade bans.
Morrison’s comments reflect a deepening rift between Australia and China, who have been locked in a trade and diplomatic dispute since Canberra called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus in April 2020.
Beijing’s position on the war makes it very difficult to be a basis for a better relationship between Canberra and Beijing
Ahead of federal elections in May, the Morrison government has stepped up rhetoric about national security, while milking concerns about China’s growing military and economic influence in the Asia-Pacific.
The result has clouded the outlook of China and Australia returning to the negotiation table to repair their bilateral trading relationship, despite pleas from some Australian businesses.