by In a first for a communique issued by Australian and Japanese officials, it also expressed opposition to launches of ballistic missiles in the South China Sea after the Chinese military fired two test missiles in August.
The leaders also “further affirmed that trade should never be used as a tool to apply political pressure” in light of Beijing’s multiple trade strikes against Australia.
In its strongest rhetoric, China’s Foreign Ministry outlined a list of grievances against Australia, saying these were the “root cause of China-Australia relations taking a sharp downturn”.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Australia had “time and again made mistakes” criticising China over Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan; “slandered” Chinese people over foreign interference, including the 5G ban on Huawei, blocked foreign investment and searches of Chinese journalists; and “engaged in political manipulation on the pandemic” by pushing for an inquiry.
“The responsibility for causing this situation doesnt lie with China at all,” the spokesman said.
Mr Morrison said there was no obstacle from Australia’s perspective to smoothing out relations with China.
“[If] there are ever any issues there, that cover any of our trading relationships whether it’s between Australia and Japan, or Australia and China, or Australia and South Korea or anywhere else within the region, then there’s a responsibility on leaders and ministers to be open to engage in those discussions,” he said.
“And if there are issues that others wish to discuss with us, then we’re always very open to discuss them as leaders.”
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, whose attempts to speak to his Chinese counterpart over the trade disputes have been rebuffed, said it was “fanciful” to suggest the government had not tried every conceivable angle to reopen lines of communication.
“Our door remains open, but we cannot force the other party to come to the table. That’s why when I say the ball is in their court; it is, because only they can decide to now take that call or have those meetings,” Senator Birmingham told the ABC.
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe said Australia should not be trying to diminish its record trade relationship with the Chinese but instead build on it with an expansion of trade into other countries.
“We need to keep that strong relationship with China going. It is mutually advantageous for both of us,” Dr Lowe told a forum hosted by The Australian.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of diversifying away from China I think it’s a matter of building other markets over time.
“Over time there is tremendous opportunity to broaden out our markets. We have very good relationships with India and Indonesia that are huge populous countries.”
