SYDNEY: Australia warned on Thursday (Jun 11) it would not be intimidated by attempts at economic "coercion" after China threatened to undermine the multi-billion dollar flow of Chinese tourists and students to the country.
Beijing has issued warnings in recent days that Chinese should avoid Australia due to concerns about racist incidents targeting ethnic Asians during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The comments were the latest salvo in a long-brewing diplomatic dispute between Australia and its largest trading partner.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed on Thursday allegations of racist treatment of Chinese as "rubbish".
"It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," he said during a radio interview.
"We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue," Morrison said.
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READ: Australia rejects China's racism warning to students
But he warned his government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes".
During the COVID-19 pandemic, racism toward Asians has reportedly increased, according to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission.
Tensions have grown steadily in recent years between the two governments as Australia has moved to counter Chinese moves to build its influence both domestically and across the Pacific region.
READ: Australia says China unresponsive to its pleas to ease tensions
More recently Canberra angered Beijing by leading calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the coronavirus pandemic in central China.
China has since taken several steps targeting trade with Australia, including the attempts to discourage Chinese travellers, who represent the biggest groups of foreign tourists, and overseas students.
The effect of Beijing's travel advice will only be known once Australia's borders –Read More – Source
SYDNEY: Australia warned on Thursday (Jun 11) it would not be intimidated by attempts at economic "coercion" after China threatened to undermine the multi-billion dollar flow of Chinese tourists and students to the country.
Beijing has issued warnings in recent days that Chinese should avoid Australia due to concerns about racist incidents targeting ethnic Asians during the coronavirus pandemic.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The comments were the latest salvo in a long-brewing diplomatic dispute between Australia and its largest trading partner.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed on Thursday allegations of racist treatment of Chinese as "rubbish".
"It's a ridiculous assertion and it's rejected," he said during a radio interview.
"We have an important trading relationship with China and I'd like to see that continue," Morrison said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
READ: Australia rejects China's racism warning to students
But he warned his government would "never be intimidated by threats" or "trade our values in response to coercion from wherever it comes".
During the COVID-19 pandemic, racism toward Asians has reportedly increased, according to the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission.
Tensions have grown steadily in recent years between the two governments as Australia has moved to counter Chinese moves to build its influence both domestically and across the Pacific region.
READ: Australia says China unresponsive to its pleas to ease tensions
More recently Canberra angered Beijing by leading calls for an international probe into the origin and handling of the coronavirus pandemic in central China.
China has since taken several steps targeting trade with Australia, including the attempts to discourage Chinese travellers, who represent the biggest groups of foreign tourists, and overseas students.
The effect of Beijing's travel advice will only be known once Australia's borders –Read More – Source
