Amid US-China tensions, Australia-China relations hit their lowest point in decades

This appeared in The Millennial Source

After months of growing uncertainty, China’s ban on Australian imports cements the beginning of a broader crisis.

Australia’s relationship with China, its largest trading partner, is at its lowest point in decades amid increasing diplomatic tensions.

China is the largest consumer of Australian cotton, with the industry valued at around US$565 million. Now, Australia is saying that Chinese mills are refusing to process their imports in the latest in a series of recent restrictions that China has placed on Australian exports, including coal and other agricultural products.

While the motives behind the bans are unclear, some have alleged that they’re aimed at driving China’s domestic industries. Many critics also believe that the move marks the latest escalation in the growing trade war between the two countries.

The restrictions also come just days after Australia convened a meeting with Japan, the United States and India, a meeting slammed by Beijing as an “exclusive clique.” China has long warned its citizens not to visit Australia due to alleged racist attitudes.