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First coal shipment in two years between Australia and China

After years of dissension, Australia and China seem to be on the verge of a more positive relationship. The first coal shipment en route to China in over two years is an encouraging sign of warming trade ties between the two Pacific powers. This event represents an important step in stabilizing relations between Australia and China.

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Once close trading partners, relations between China and Australia have deteriorated due to disputes over Chinese influence operations in the region, repression in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since Anthony Albanese’s center-left government took office in May, efforts are underway to warm relations with Beijing.

 

Visits and discussions for a full resumption of trade

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong visited China in December for the first visit by a senior Canberra official in four years. This week, Trade Minister Don Farrell said he had met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao to discuss a possible “full resumption of trade.” Mr. Farrell said the meeting was an “important step in stabilizing relations between Australia and China.

 

First coal shipment in two years

According to data from shipping platform MarineTraffic, a coal shipment from Australia was en route to China on Thursday, the first in two years. A ship called Magic Eclipse, loaded with a type of coal mainly used for steel making and destined for the Chinese market, was reported anchored Thursday off the southern Chinese city of Zhanjiang.

Ongoing efforts to warm relations between China and Australia appear to be producing positive results, with the first coal shipment in two years en route to China. The discussions between Australian and Chinese ministers are a promising sign of a full resumption of trade between the two Pacific powers.

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