KNews.id- Australian Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said his government hopes that the current trade dispute with China can be resolved through diplomacy. Nevertheless, he said that Australia would never compromise on its sovereignty.
Littleproud told Luke Grant on Radio 3AW that the dispute over Beijing's trade sanctions on Australian exports was frustrating and to resolve it needed a measured approach.
“That's disappointing. I have to say, we continue to ensure that we will be mature in that space (problem), "he said, as quoted by 9News.
"We will make sure they understand, that we will never turn away. When they are ready to talk, we will be there, "he continued.
Last week Australia announced that it had filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge action taken on barley exports, which the Federal Government took after China imposed an 80.5 percent tariff on Australian barley exports earlier this year.
While China has also recently raised tariffs on wine and blocked imports of lamb, beef, lobster and other goods, Littleproud said there was ample evidence that the dispute was less about technical trade issues and more about national sovereignty.
“It's more about Australians defending their own sovereignty. And we will not compromise it. Sorry, "he said. "They will wait a long time if they think we will. The reality is there are hundreds of thousands of Australians who have given their lives to protect that, and we owe it to them and their legacy to never compromise our values and principles, ”he continued.
Littleproud also said that currently countries other than Australia are increasingly concerned about China's behavior in recent times.
“The world is watching. And this is what we say to China: "The best way to fix this and clarify your actions is to be open and transparent and have conversations" because the world is starting to get anxious about their actions, "said Littleproud. (Ade)
