China removes last restrictions on Australian beef imports
Agreement also signed during visit to Australia by Premier Li Keqiang to develop mine, rail and port project
Beijing removed the last remaining restrictions on imports of Australian beef on Friday and announced early-stage plans for joint development of major mine, rail and port projects, in contrast to a growing global trend of trade protectionism.
The policies, announced during a visit to Australia by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang advance the trade relationship between the two countries at a time of rising tensions between Australia and its traditional ally, the United States.
“I believe it is time for China and Australia to enter into an era of free trade across the board, which means that we need to have free trade between our two countries in wider areas,” Li told reporters in the Australian capital, Canberra
Australia is one of several countries trying to salvage the Trans-Pacific Partnership by encouraging China and other Asian countries to join the trade pact after US President Donald Trump abandoned the accord.
Li, the first sitting premier to visit Australia in 11 years, said China would now accept chilled beef exports from all licensed exporters.
