Australia cannot afford to be complacent about China

The Coalition has been making a concerted effort to build strong relationships with China’s leadership, including sending a delegation of five shadow Cabinet ministers to Beijing and Shanghai last December.

Should we be privileged to be elected to govern by the Australian people this year, we hope to hit the ground running in forging a stronger, deeper and more diversified relationship with China.

Like many other international relationships, there will be a repair job required with China.

First, China will need to be reassured that Australia once again offers a stable investment environment and that there will no longer be sovereign risk issues such as the imposition of mining and carbon taxes.

We will also ensure that Australia is seen as a reliable supplier of goods and services and we will reassure China that there will be none of the kneejerk panicked reactions of the Gillard government such as the ban on live cattle exports without warning or consultation.

While this ban did not directly affect China, the live cattle export ban dismayed many of our trading partners who feared disruption to other commodities should that trade become subject to political controversy.

An Australia-China Free Trade Agreement will also be a priority for a Coalition Government.

There are great opportunities for Australia that will come from China’s ongoing economic development.

However there are also many challenges, and managing those will require sensitivity and a deeper understanding that can only come from committed long-term engagement.