Sage-Tips

Why is the connection between Australia and China important?

China is Australia’s biggest trading partner mainly due to China’s strong demand for iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas. Exports to China helped Australia escape the worst effects of the global financial crisis.

Does Australia have an ambassador in China?

(04 July 2021) Speech by Australian Ambassador to China Graham Fletcher at the World Peace Forum, Beijing. (22 June 2021) Media Release from Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley.

Who is Australia’s ambassador to the US?

Arthur Sinodinos AO
Arthur Sinodinos AO is Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, taking up his posting in Washington in February 2020. Ambassador Sinodinos was previously Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and was a Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament from 2011 to 2019.

How does Australia benefit from international trade with China?

The benefits for Australians exporting goods into China are extensive and range from removal or reduction of tariffs, larger quotas for certain restricted items and streamlined custom processes. Overall, 98 per cent of Australian goods exported to China are eligible to enter duty-free or at preferential rates.

What relationship does China have with Australia?

Even with trade sanctions, China remains Australia’s biggest trade partner. But China will also continue to rise in military and economic power in the contested Asian region.

Can Chinese go to Australia?

Australia has major restrictions for travel. Most visitors from China will not be allowed to travel to Australia. You are required to have mandatory quarantine.

Can you enter China from Australia?

Direct flights between China and Australia are limited. China has suspended all visas on arrival, including transit visas. You may be permitted to enter China if you’re a foreign national holding a valid residence permit for work, personal matters or reunion.

What does an Australian Ambassador do?

The Ambassador also acts as Australia’s Resident Representative and Governor on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna and Permanent Representative to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBTO) Preparatory Commission.

What do ambassadors do?

An ambassador is the President’s highest-ranking representative to a specific nation or international organization abroad. A key role of an ambassador is to coordinate the activities not only of the Foreign Service Officers and staff serving under him, but also representatives of other U.S. agencies in the country.

What does China provide to Australia?

Australia’s main imports from China are manufactured goods, which were worth more than AUD 21 billion in 2018 and is led by telecommunication equipment, IT products, furniture and homewares. The entry into force of the free trade agreement in 2015 was set to broaden and deepen the trade relationship.

Who is Australia’s ambassador to China Graham Fletcher?

Graham Fletcher has been Australia’s Ambassador to China since August 2019. Prior to this appointment, Mr Fletcher was head of the North Asia Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) during 2008-10 and again from 2015. During 2014, he led the team that completed negotiation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Does China ‘realise the damage’ it’s doing to Australian businesses?

And yesterday, Australia’s ambassador to China Graham Fletcher delivered a caustic assessment of China’s behaviour while speaking to Australian businesses via a video link from Beijing. “I’m not sure China realises the damage that is occurring both in Australia and internationally,” Mr Fletcher told the Australian China Business Council.

What is China’s economic impact on Australia?

China’s government has targeted several Australian industries including barley, timber and coal. ( The ambassador also warned Australian businesses which rely too heavily on the Chinese market could be left exposed to campaigns of economic coercion directed by the government.

Is China’s campaign of economic punishment against Australia vindictive?

Australia’s ambassador in Beijing has labelled China’s campaign of economic punishment against Australia “vindictive” as the diplomatic relationship between the two countries remains stuck in a rut.