Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called China’s rumored move to not approve Australian coal imports a “lose-lose” situation on Tuesday and said it would be a breach of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The prime minister’s comments came in response to a report by the Chinese state-owned Global Times newspaper that the country’s National Development and Reform Commission had given the go-ahead for coal imports without restriction, with the exception of coal from Australia. Relations between China and Australia have deteriorated in recent months, especially from the fallout of Australia’s call for an independent inquiry into the initial outbreak of coronavirus in China. The strain between the two countries has struck Australian exports, including its most lucrative coal and iron ore exports.
Reports: China to ban Australian coal in escalating trade war | DW News
