China has raised concerns over Australia’s scrutiny of Chinese firms, with the Chinese embassy in Canberra saying it is “deeply concerned” about recent measures taken by the Australian government. The tensions between the two countries have been growing, with China imposing trade sanctions in response to Australia’s criticism and measures against Chinese firms.
According to reports, Australian authorities are reviewing the ownership of certain Chinese investments in Australia, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications and energy. The move is part of Australia’s efforts to strengthen national security and protect critical infrastructure from foreign interference.
However, the Chinese embassy’s statement has criticized Australia’s actions and accused the government of discriminating against Chinese companies, suggesting that it is a “Cold War mentality.” China has also warned Australia not to take any measures that could harm the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The relationship between Australia and China has been strained in recent years, with Australia taking a more hawkish stance on issues such as Chinese influence and human rights abuses, and China imposing trade sanctions in response. Australia has also been a vocal supporter of an international investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, which first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The economic consequences of the tensions have been significant, with Australian exports to China falling sharply. In 2020, Australia’s exports to China fell by almost 40%, causing significant harm to the Australian economy.
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