Australian wine and lobsters firms have been some of the hardest hit since trade bans and tariffs were imposed by Beijing in 2020, but a recent softening in diplomatic relations has raised hopes of a brighter future.
Western Australia expects to step up its space research cooperation with China, according to premier Mark McGowan, with projects including the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project viewed as ‘obvious candidates’ for cooperation.
Career Australia diplomat David Ambrose believes that China and Australia should seek to ‘build on’ their relationship as the ‘natural partners’ mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic and trade ties.
A US$1.4 billion joint venture between Chengdu-based Tianqi Lithium and Australian company IGO has produced Australia’s first battery-grade lithium hydroxide, which is a key material for making lithium batteries for electric vehicles.
