On Wednesday, Japan’s Ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, reaffirmed his country’s support to the Australian government in its trade war with China and condemned Beijing’s volatile policies against Canberra.
During his address to the National Press Club in Canberra, the Ambassador said, “Australia is not walking alone. Japan fully supports Australia’s efforts to serve the ongoing trade disputes. Trade should never be used as the tool to apply political pressure.” He also hailed Australia’s commitment to a “liberal, rules-based world order” and to not giving in to political pressure from China. Moreover, Yamagami hinted at his government’s willingness to aid Australia in reducing its dependence on the Asian giant, especially for trade and wine exports. He said, “For wine, the time is ripe … all tariffs on Australian bottled wine have been reduced to zero (in Japan). The quality Aussie cheese and beef dominating the Japanese market needs to be paired with quality Aussie wine.”
The Japanese ambassador also suggested Australia follow Japan’s suit “in pivoting away from China as its major trading partner,” and said, “First, we brought the case to the WTO to solve the disputings in accordance with international rules. Second, we did our best, trying to reduce the dependency on (China).” Apart from discussing diplomatic tensions between China and Australia, Yamagami also expressed his concerns over the sale of Port of Darwin to a Chinese company and said that his country would never allow a Chinese company to own a Japanese port. However, he said that “it’s a decision for the Australian government to make, so as the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, I am making a rule not to poke my nose into the domestic politics of both Australia and Japan.”
Towards the end, the Ambassador acknowledged the history of both nations and their trade relations. He said that both countries should expand bilateral ties to counter China’s influence across the Indo-Pacific along with pursuing “liberalisation and establishment of fair, transparent rules.”
Ties between China and Australia began deteriorating last year, when the Morrison administration first demanded an independent probe into the origins of the COVID-19 and then continually expressed concerns over human rights abuses in China. Subsequently, China suspended trade with Australia and imposed anti-dumping duties and tariffs on several Australian exports, including wine and barley. In retaliation, Australia abandoned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Last month, Australia approached the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch proceedings against China for unjust tariffs on Australian goods. However, at the same time, the Australian government expressed its willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations with China in the matter.
Japan Reiterates Support for Australia Over Trade War With China
Japanese Ambassador to Australia reaffirmed his government’s support to Australia in the trade war with China and appreciated the Morrison government’s commitment to the rule of law.
July 22, 2021
SOURCE: ORF