Australian and Chinese officials are set to hold crucial talks in Beijing next week. The talks address ongoing trade disputes between the two nations. As Australia’s largest trading partner, China’s willingness to negotiate is highly anticipated. According to Australia’s assistant minister for trade, Tim Ayres, the upcoming discussions will be highly technical.
Australia hopes to make progress towards a resolution. This meeting marks a critical juncture in the countries’ trade relationship.It will be closely watched by stakeholders on both sides.But he added: “I’ve learned not to count my chickens before they hatch.”
Speaking to Guardian Australia,Tim Ayres revealed that he had held discussions with his Chinese government counterpart at the Bo’ao Forum for Asia business conference.Ayres expressed concern that the ongoing trade disputes were “damaging” to regional Australian communities.
Particularly those that rely on exporting wine and lobsters and have struggled to find alternative markets. However, Ayres also noted that Chinese consumers were also impacted by the trade impediments. He said there is a high level of interest among the Chinese business community in Australian wine and seafood.The upcoming trade talks will provide an opportunity for both nations to address these issues. Furthermore, both countries will work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
Additionally, Ayres believes climate and energy were areas where Australia and China “can and should cooperate”. The Australian government was keen to hear practical proposals from businesses. Also, from officials about opportunities to cooperate on decarbonisation.
“If this region of the world, China, the Asia-Pacific, the Indo-Pacific – if it doesn’t meet the climate imperative itself, with an enormous growing demand for energy, then it’s hard to see how the world reaches its climate objectives,” Ayres said.
He Added that Australian businesses and workers stood to gain from pursuing a “renewable energy superpower vision”, including developing green hydrogen and building up technical capabilities.
