Australia will not be 'intimidated' amid China economic threats: PM Scott Morrison
11 June, 2020
Australia warned on Thursday (Jun 11) it could not come to be intimidated by attempts in financial "coercion" after China threatened to undermine the multi-billion dollar movement of Chinese tourists and students to the country.
Beijing has issued warnings found in recent times that Chinese should avoid Australia because of concerns about racist incidents targeting ethnic Asians during the coronavirus pandemic.
The comments were the most recent salvo in a long-brewing diplomatic dispute between Australia and its own largest trading partner.
Primary Minister Scott Morrison dismissed on Thursday allegations of racist treatment of Chinese while "rubbish".
"It's a ridiculous assertion and it's really rejected," he said throughout a radio interview.
"We have an essential trading relationship with China and Let me see that continue," Morrison said.
But he warned his authorities would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes".
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, racism toward Asians has reportedly elevated, in line with the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission.
Tensions have become steadily recently between the two governments seeing that Australia offers moved to counter Chinese movements to build its impact both domestically and over the Pacific region.
Recently Canberra angered Beijing simply by leading calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the coronavirus pandemic found in central China.
China has since taken several measures targeting trade with Australia, like the tries to discourage Chinese travellers, who represent the biggest groups of foreign tourists, and overseas pupils.
The result of Beijing's travel advice is only going to be known once Australia's borders - closed to all or any non-essential inbound and outbound travellers as a result of pandemic - reopen.
Education is Australia's fourth-largest export with more than 500,000 international college students enrolled last year, bringing about A$37 billion (US$25.6 billion) into the economy.
After Canberra's support for a virus inquiry, China's ambassador in Canberra threatened a widespread consumer boycott of Australian items - a warning followed up by a bar on four major Australian beef exporters.
That was followed in-may by an 80 % tariff on Australian barley over dumping allegations, a move grain growers tell you will cost at least A$500 million a year.
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