Key Points:
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Canberra.
- Discussed human rights concerns and an Australian facing the death penalty in China.
- Talked about Chinese tariffs on Australian products.
Trade issues, an Australian sentenced to death in China, and other human rights concerns were the main topics of discussion during the meeting between Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart.
“China will always be China, Australia will always be Australia,” Wong told the media after the talks with Wang Yi in Canberra.
“However, we want to continue engaging, cooperating where possible, disagreeing where necessary, and managing these differences wisely.”
Tariffs and market volatility
Chinese tariffs, particularly on Australian beef and lobster, were among the topics Wong addressed. Despite some easing of restrictions, tariffs on these products remain in place.
Wong welcomed progress in removing trade barriers and expressed the desire for further elimination of obstacles on beef and lobster.
No announcement was made regarding the reduction of tariffs.
Wong also discussed market volatility in the nickel industry, emphasizing the importance of predictability in business and trade.
Yang’s death sentence
Wong conveyed Australians’ shock at the death sentence imposed on pro-democracy writer Yang Hengjun by a Chinese court. Yang, convicted of espionage, faces life imprisonment if he does not commit further crimes in the next two years.
“The Australian government will continue advocating on Dr. Yang’s behalf,” Wong affirmed.
She also raised concerns about other Australian death penalty cases, reiterating Australia’s opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances.
Yang Hengjun was arrested in August 2019 on suspicion of espionage. Source: Getty / David Gray
Concerns about human rights in China
Wong also raised concerns about human rights in China, including issues in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
A Human Rights Watch report highlighted the connection between forced labor in Xinjiang and the global car industry. Tibet and Tibetan independence were also discussed, with the European Union expressing grave concerns over related provisions.
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