SYDNEY: Australia warned on Thursday (Jun 11) it would not be intimidated by attempts at economic “coercion” after China threatened to undermine the multi-billion dollar flow of Chinese tourists and students to the country. Beijing has issued warnings in recent days that Chinese should avoid Australia due to concerns about racist incidents targeting ethnic Asians during the coronavirus pandemic. The comments were the latest salvo in a long-brewing diplomatic dispute between Australia and its largest trading partner. Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed on Thursday allegations of racist treatment of Chinese as “rubbish”. “It’s a ridiculous assertion and it’s rejected,” he said during a radio interview. “We have an important trading relationship with China and I’d like to see that continue,” Morrison said. READ: Australia rejects China’s racism warning to students But he warned his government would “never be intimidated by threats” or “trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes”. During the COVID-19 pandemic, racism toward Asians has reportedly increased, according to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission. Tensions have grown steadily in recent years between the two governments as Australia has moved to counter Chinese moves to build its influence both domestically and across the Pacific region. READ: Australia… Read full this story
- Australia to release budget with looming election in mind
- Australian Professor Warns China Waging a ‘Campaign of Psychological Warfare’
- Trump suggests trade disputes with China can be resolved
- dTrump weighs rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership amid trade dispute with China
- Trump seeks to ease fears about trade war with China
- Hillary Clinton is sounding the alarm over China's efforts to covertly interfere with politics worldwide
- China’s GMO Stockpile
- Why EPA’s U-Turn On Auto Efficiency Rules Gives China The Upper Hand
- Trump pledges to help Chinese phone firm ZTE save jobs
- Scandals gain traction, damage Abe’s standing in Japan
Australia will not be 'intimidated' amid China economic threats: PM Scott Morrison have 301 words, post on www.channelnewsasia.com at June 11, 2020. This is cached page on Search. If you want remove this page, please contact us.