China has imposed numerous trade restraints on Australian goods and services.
This is in reprisal for Australia raising concerns on human rights in China and the origins of COVID-19.
But, China is now asking the Australian government for support in joining a regional trade pact. In a letter from China's embassy in Canberra (Australia's capital) on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership:
- "China ... stands ready to work together with all the other parties to promote globalization and regional economic integration."
- "The Chinese economy and the Australian economy are highly complementary with enormous potential in cooperation"
So, maybe a sign of thawing in the chilly relationship. Maybe just a hope (pardon my four-letter word) though.
