China slaps sanctions on Australian businesses amid souring ties with Canberra

According to ANI's reports, China has hit several Australian industries with economic sanctions as a response to Canberra's criticisms of Beijing's blocking investigation into origin of COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on Huawei Technologies. dressing a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian spoke about sour relationship between Australia and China after intervention of Canberra into COVID-19 investigation. 

Chinese reaction on Australian industries

Beijing has reportedly singled out Australia for economic punishment, saying that federal government cannot profit from China while at same time "smearing" it, reported ANI. 

As a result, Chinese government has hit several Australian industries with economic sanctions by imposing hefty tariffs on Australian barley and wine exports while throwing up barriers to several or products including timber, lobster, and coal.

Such steps will not only complicate relationship between two countries but will also affect economic business of Australia. 

Citing reasons, it has been said that Chinese officials are not acting upon political issues, inste, Australian products are being dumped for several reasons including unfair price, bio-security, and labelling. Previously, several Australian products which h a huge market in China suffered loss because of sour relationships between two countries. 

In response to China's actions, Australian officials have said that Beijing has been laying a thin veneer of plausible deniability on its campaign of economic punishment. Federal Treasurer of Australia indirectly commented on Zhao's statement and said that Australia was dealing with a "more assertive" China. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian while speaking on this issue clearly stated that, "Mutual respect is foundation and safeguard of practical cooperation between countries." Zhao also said that Australia was taking steps against China on behalf of United States. 

Australian intervention in COVID-19 investigation

Previously, Australian government called out China for blocking investigations into COVID-19 pandemic. It happened when Chinese authorities blocked arrival of a World Health Organisation (WHO) team who arrived for investigating early causes of COVID-19 in Wuhan. At this time, Canberra raised concerns over Chinese government's activities.

(Source: ANI)