Australia has declined China’s proposal to jointly oppose U.S. tariffs.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that Australia will not align with China in global disputes. Instead, the nation aims to diversify its trade relationships, focusing on partnerships with the European Union, Indonesia, India, Britain, and the Middle East.
China’s proposal was presented through an opinion piece by Ambassador Xiao Qian, suggesting collaboration to defend the global trading system. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 125% tariff on Chinese goods and maintained a 10% tariff on Australian imports.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the U.S. tariffs, stating they are “not the act of a friend.” However, he ruled out reciprocal measures, expressing concern over potential price increases for Australian consumers.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has expressed concerns that ongoing tariff uncertainties could negatively impact business investments and consumer spending.
Australia exports nearly one-third of its goods to China, compared to less than 5% to the U.S., highlighting the significance of these trade tensions.
