호주, "중국, 석탄수입 금지하면 WTO 위반"
The diplomatic dispute between Australia and China, which began with Canberra's call for a global probe into the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now leading to a trade tussle between the two countries.
Kim Hyo-sun has the details.
Tensions are mounting between Australia and China after Chinese state media outlets reported that Beijing plans to import coal without clearance requirements from most countries except Australia.
The Australian government is demanding clarification,... explaining that this is a clear violation of international trade rules.
"...If that were the case, then that would obviously be in breach of WTO rules, it would obviously be in breach of our own free trade agreement and so we would hope that's certainly not the case and that's why we're seeking clarification on this..."
Australia's trade minister also urged China to sit down for talks to resolve related issues.
"...We remain willing to engage in dialogue to resolve these issues together and that we urge China to clarify them, to reject the reports that have been made to ensure that businesses engage on a commercial basis and to sit down and work with us in relation to the issues so that we can avoid the types of legal processes like the WTO."
Coal exports are Australia's important source of export income,... and annual coal exports to China amount to nearly 10-point-5 billion U.S. dollars.
Australia, however, has been embroiled in a worsening diplomatic dispute with China,... especially after Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origin of the novel coronavirus in April.
This led to Beijing imposing a series of trade restrictions on Australian imports, including beef and wine.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.
