China-Australia relations

Trading a war of words
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Background explainers, news and analysis on China-Australia relations, including trade and investment and the impact of wider issues such as the US-China trade war and South China Sea.

Latest News
News
Military
The Hainan is China’s first 40,000-tonne landing helicopter dock and was commissioned in 2021. It has been leading a naval fleet in the Philippine Sea this week, triggering a response from Australia. Photo: Eugene Lee
Military
Australia on high alert as PLA Navy fleet in Philippine Sea sails south
Type 075 amphibious attack ship triggers concern in Canberra after Chinese navy’s unprecedented circumnavigation of Australia this year.
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US President Donald Trump (left) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in Washington DC last month. Photo: Xinhua
Australasia
Australian poll reveals rising concerns over US influence, trade tactics
According to the poll, 57 per cent of Australians believe Washington would force Canberra to pick sides in its rivalry with Beijing.
Japan’s ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki. Photo: X/JPEmbassyAU
Diplomacy
Japan ‘very much willing’ to keep talking to Beijing over Taiwan: top diplomat
Ambassador to Australia Kazuhiro Suzuki says proper communications are vital to avoid ‘misunderstandings’.
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Mike Burgess, ASIO director general of security, delivers the 2025 Lowy Lecture in Sydney. He says Australia’s community cohesion is under threat from outside influences. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy
Hot-button regional issues expose Australians to foreign agents: spy chief
‘More Australians are being targeted for espionage and foreign interference than ever before,’ ASIO head Mike Burgess says.
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Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers train with a Chinese police liaison team in 2022. Photo: RSIPF/AFP
Politics
Solomon Islands’ defence force dream: an Australia-China flashpoint?
A military force would help quell unrest, but some say relying on Beijing for arms may make the Pacific nation an ‘enemy state’ of the West.
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Indian and South Korean navy officers pose aboard the Sahyadri during their first-ever bilateral naval exercise, in Busan on October 13. Photo: Handout
Military
Does China see ‘containment’ as Asia-Pacific allies build defence ties?
Expanding military cooperation between India, South Korea and Australia could signal anxiety over potential security vacuum, analysts say.
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A new report from an Australian think tank suggests Australia and other Pacific nations form a network to help plug intelligence gaps, particularly amid what it called China’s “unprecedented security inroads” in the region. Photo: Australian Defence Force/AFP
Diplomacy
Call for ‘Pacific Eyes’ intelligence body to offset China’s growing presence
Think tank proposes dedicated alliance – initially with Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji – to avoid being ‘blindsided’.
5
China says it drove away an Australian P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane from the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Sunday, while Australia’s defence ministry raised concerns with Beijing over “unsafe” measures. Photo: Reuters
Military
China, Australia trade blame after PLA jet releases flares in mid-air encounter
PLA Air Force commander warns against ‘provocations’ after Poseidon maritime patrol plane driven away from Paracel Islands on Sunday.
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Australian troops take part in a joint military exercise with Japan and the US in Niigata prefecture, Japan, last month. Photo: AP
Australasia
Australia urged to adopt Singapore’s ‘poisonous shrimp’ tactics
A think tank said Canberra’s ‘reliance on great and powerful friends’ was not enough to deter threats from China and Russia.
1
The flags of Australia and Papua New Guinea are displayed on a desk at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday. Photo: AFP
Politics
What Australia’s ‘Pukpuk’ pact with Papua New Guinea means for the Pacific
While China has voiced misgivings, the pact is seen as necessary by some – even if it could draw Australia into PNG’s domestic conflicts.
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Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape attend a flag lowering ceremony in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on September 16. Photo: AP
Australasia
Will Australia’s defence pact with Papua New Guinea curb China’s Pacific sway?
The defence treaty strengthens ties, counters China’s influence, and offers PNG citizens a path to Australian citizenship.
China is a major buyer of Australian iron ore, which fuels the country’s vast manufacturing sector. Photo: Reuters
China Economy
Australia pushes to boost exports to China as trade barriers fade
The Accessing New Markets Initiative will ‘build on’ the removal of Chinese restrictions in several industries, Canberra says.
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A scuffle breaks out as protesters gather outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Victoria, during the “March for Australia” anti-immigration rally. Photo: AAP/DPA
Diplomacy
Chinese nationals in Australia blindsided by anti-immigration marches
Sweeping rallies in all Australian capital cities protest against immigration, sparked by rising right-wing sentiment and cost-of-living crisis.
53
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa receives a gift from a Solomon Islander during the opening ceremony on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
Australasia
Pacific Islands leaders call for ‘ocean of peace’ but face rough seas at summit
The Pacific Islands Forum has been clouded by allegations that host Solomon Islands did not invite Taiwan to please its close backer.
The logo for Australia’s public broadcaster ABC is seen at its head office building in Sydney. Photo: AFP
Australasia
ABC returns to Beijing after 5 years as Australia-China ties improve
The return is a ‘significant milestone’ in the gradual improvement of ties, which had soured over trade, Covid-19’s origins, and other disputes.
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US President Donald Trump attends a Nato summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25. Photo: Reuters
China Opinion
Opinion|China’s trade charm offensive falls on deaf ears among US security allies
Centuries of shared identity, security integration and cultural allegiance bind these nations irreversibly to the US strategic architecture.
9
Fields of canola, a crop used for making cooking oil, are in full bloom on the Canadian prairies. Canada has been China’s dominant supplier of canola in recent years, but shipments are now plunging due to Chinese tariffs. Photo: Reuters
China Economy
China is turning away from Canadian canola. Will Australia fill the gap?
China is already purchasing Australian canola on a trial basis as Canadian shipments plunge due to Chinese tariffs, industry sources say.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon pictured on the Great Wall during his recent visit to China. Photo: AP
Diplomacy
China and Australia ready for ‘more productive’ ties, Beijing’s ambassador says
Xiao Qian tells trade expo in Melbourne that the two nations can ‘fully complement each other’s strengths’ when boosting economic ties.
2
Piles of imported iron ore, bauxite and coal are stored at a port in China’s eastern Shandong province. Fortescue is a major supplier of iron ore to China. Photo: AFP
China Economy
China’s push to promote its currency accelerates with landmark Fortescue loan
The 14.2 billion yuan (US$1.98 billion) deal is the largest ever offshore yuan syndicated loan to a non-Chinese company.
6
A Chinese student attacked in Hobart on Tuesday is being treated in Royal Hobart Hospital for head wounds. Photo: Handout
Diplomacy
China calls for tough penalties over attack on student in Australia
Assault in Hobart one the latest in a string of incidents against Chinese visitors in recent months.
19
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s JS Ise and JS Suzunami tied up in the port of Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday. Photo: AP
Australasia
Japanese warships return to Wellington after 90 years, boosting Pacific ties
The last time a Japanese naval vessel visited the New Zealand capital was in 1936.
1
US soldiers give a capabilities brief on the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System in the Northern Territory, Australia, on July 9 as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25. It is the first operational employment of the Dark Eagle system outside the continental US. Photo: Handout
Diplomacy
US debuts hypersonic missile in Australia. Is it a deterrent against China?
Chinese analysts say Washington is showing the importance of US-Australia relationship, but missile system unlikely to affect China.
38
Australia’s government has approved a 9 per cent increase in the foreign student cap for 2026. Photo: Shutterstock
Australasia
Australia targets Southeast Asians with new foreign student cap policy
The increase in Australia’s foreign student cap is part of a bid to enhance Canberra’s soft power and reduce its economic dependence on China.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gestures as he speaks to the media during a press conference in Chengdu in Sichuan province, China, on July 17. Photo: EPA
World Opinion
Opinion|Australia should not sabotage its own efforts to boost ties with China
Albanese’s meetings in China suggest the bilateral relationship is stabilising but that there is little desire for significant policy advances.
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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will discuss China’s economic coercion tactics before a US House panel, focusing on strained Australia-China relations and recent trade tensions. Photo: EPA-EFE
Australasia
Ex-Australian PM to address China’s ‘economic coercion’ at US House committee
Scott Morrison will be highlighting China’s ‘persistent and pernicious’ economic pressure tactics against democracies.
22
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Thursday. His six-day visit to China wrapped up on Friday. Photo: EPA
Diplomacy
Albanese China trip shows ‘stiffening of Canberra spine’ in face of US pressure
Beijing rolled out the red carpet for the Australian leader this week and the two sides appeared to keep a lid on tensions.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre right) and his partner Jodie Haydon (centre left) arrive in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on July 16. Photo: EPA
World Opinion
Opinion|How Australia’s China ties can help advance its national interests
Albanese must convince more Australians to accept that Canberra’s alliance with the US is important but not the defining feature of its foreign policy.
Diplomacy
Australian PM Albanese talks pandas and trade deals in China
Opinion
Editorial|Record Chinese yuan loan to Australian miner makes good sense
The sizeable foreign loan is a landmark in Beijing’s efforts to internationalise the yuan as an alternative to the US dollar.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Common interests the basis for stronger China-Australia relations
Neither a port controversy nor any third-party interference cast a shadow over the trade and business focus of Albanese’s trip to China.
SCMP Editorial
My Take|Voters from shell-shocked US allies pick stability over disruption
Rather than left or right-leaning political parties, citizens in Singapore, Australia and Canada chose ‘steady hands’ to navigate geopolitical turbulence.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
10
Editorial|Exercise by China’s PLA Navy sends timely reminder
Reaction to warships in Tasman Sea appears excessive, particularly when Australia dispatches forces to the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
SCMP Editorial
6
Editorial|Lobsters deal whets appetite for better China-Australia ties
Lifting of ban by mainland China on the Australian seafood raises hopes of a continuing improvement in relations between two countries.
SCMP Editorial
1
My Take|Australian media needs to know – Asia does not just revolve around China
Australians want to do more business with Asia similar to Canberra’s goal but are perplexed by a lack of genuine coverage of the region.
Su-Lin Tan
4
Editorial|Li Qiang’s three-nation tour to repair and deepen China ties has positive results
Stops by Chinese premier in New Zealand and Australia were partly to manage differences, but Malaysia visit strengthened relations
SCMP Editorial
1
My Take|Friend or foe: Australia should keep China close, not push it away
Blocking or reducing interaction with China or other countries only reduces Australia to a petty, hollow state that is susceptible to misunderstandings.
Su-Lin Tan
28
My Take|Playing defence Mini-Me for the US will cost Australia dearly
The complaint by Canberra about the latest Chinese military flare-up close to China’s coast is not only hypocritical but highly escalatory.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
37
My Take|US proxy Anthony Albanese goes to Beijing
While Australia’s formal sovereignty resides with the British monarch as part of the Commonwealth, its real sovereignty is to be found somewhere in Washington.
SCMP ColumnistAlex Lo
36
Editorial|New China-Australia relationship puts paid to blinkered approach
Visit by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Beijing aims to heal wounds between nations and maintain move to more sustainable policy.
SCMP Editorial
7
Asian Angle|Australia’s Albanese will visit Beijing with tariffs, thawing ties front of mind
PM Anthony Albanese’s coming China visit is aimed at resetting bilateral ties that have been strained by a laundry list of issues ranging from tariffs to the pandemic’s origins.
Michelle Grattan
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