[Australia didn't expect it would be so quick to need China's help! And it can't nationalize Darwin Port]
The Australian government never anticipated it would soon be in need of China’s assistance—perhaps even unable to nationalize Darwin Port.
While Australian canola exporters are anxiously worried that the government might forcibly seize Chinese companies’ operating rights at Darwin Port, fearing retaliation from China and a potential disruption to canola exports to China, another piece of bad news has quickly followed.
According to U.S. media reports, under China’s newly implemented beef import regulations, Australia’s quota is nearly exhausted—expected to last no more than half a month before facing a 55% tariff.
Faced with this reality, Australia’s government says one thing but does another: verbally expressing confidence in finding alternative markets, such as exporting to the United States, while actively competing with Brazil to lobby China for a green light and increased quotas.
This week, high-ranking officials from both Australia and Brazil have visited China, doing their utmost to persuade China to grant larger beef export quotas.
However, Australia’s advantage seems limited, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi, after concluding his visit to Canada, will meet Brazil’s foreign minister first upon returning home—clearly indicating Brazil has taken the lead this time.
Currently, Albanese’s government faces a dilemma: if it seizes assets of Chinese enterprises, its agricultural exports—including beef—to China will likely stall again—forcing a choice between two unfavorable options.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866424005161984/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.