China's consul-general in Western Australia has left the country to return to Beijing.

An official in WA is playing down the departure, speaking on Thursday:

  • "My understanding is that Madam Dong is returning to China for health reasons. I have no reason, and I believe the government has no reason, to believe otherwise."

This come in the midst of Australia-China trade tensions. WA is huge exporter of minerals to China.

China's consul-general in Western Australia has left the country to return to Beijing.