How we can counter China’s trade games

Holding back some of our iron ore supply to China is one certain way of dealing with this belligerent trading partner.

A Chinese coal ship leaves the Port of Gladstone. Picture: AP Photo/Xinhua, Jiang Yaping

FINANCE columnist Terry McCrann is on the money when he suggests that holding back some of our iron ore supply to China (C-M, Dec 10) is one certain way of dealing with this belligerent trading partner.

Our iron ore is essential to keeping the steel mills of China pumping and economy in free flow.

Also it is interesting to know that China’s huge appetite for iron ore has led to a decrease in port stockpiles and there has been a lower than expected supply from some Brazilian exporters.

This coupled with a price increase in iron ore means Australia will continue to hold the upper hand in one domain at least.

So perhaps a few subtle delays – dockyard strikes, catastrophic cyclones and don’t forget COVID could bring China to heel.

Peter Scanlan, Burnett Heads

THANK you to Terry McCrann for nailing completely that it is time to send some pain China bound.

That Canberra has not suggested this appears to indicate they are too busy with COVID, Christmas and holiday affairs to fully grasp the necessity for “tweaking” iron ore exports, as McCrann describes.

Surely even iron ore mining aficionados like Andrew Forrest (pictured) must be able to see the wood for the trees in this area.

He should be engaging in the tweaking and leading the charge to bring this Communist bully into line.

But, of course, vested interests speak louder than words.

Instead of allowing our farmers, fishers and others to be severely affected by ridiculously high tariffs, beetles in timber and other offensive and frankly confected charges by China, they need to feel full government support on the issue.

Would this not be the time for an organised Plan B?

Claire Jolliffe, Buderim

I READ that Chinese customers collectively buy about 87 per cent of Australia’s iron ore output.

Falling port inventory levels at a time when steel mills are traditionally restocking suggests that China is very much dependent on Australian iron ore.

I suggest the Australian government says to the Chinese government, if it does not put our trade relationship back to where it was prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we will not sell them any more Australian iron ore. Surely that would get their attention.

It would hurt us, but it would hurt them even more.

So, for heaven’s sake Scott Morrison, show the Chinese that Australia won’t be bullied any longer.

Frank Wolber, Tingalpa

AUSTRALIA is being bullied mercilessly as China rains blows on everything from our trade to our international reputation, seeking to bend us to its will.

Iron ore could well be our arm to stop the zen master’s relentless stick.

China’s economy needs our high quality iron ore to continue building everything from Belt and Road Initiative projects to battleships.

Experts have indicated it would take at least five years for China to find an alternative supply source to Australian quality iron ore.

What a great opportunity for Australia to use this major weapon to our advantage. But do our politicians have the guts to stand up to the Chinese bully boy in this way?

Paul Dobbyn, Wynnum

**********

ADF NEEDS PROBE TO CLEAR AIR

PETER Corran (Letters, Dec 10) suggests that “the ADF may never recover its reputation as a peerless fighting force” after a “messy and damaging” investigation of alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers.

I would argue that it will never recover its reputation unless these allegations are thoroughly investigated, the facts made clear and any perpetrators dealt with appropriately.

The 99.9 per cent of current and former members of the defence force who serve and have served with dedication and honour deserve to have their names cleared of suspicion and to be able to wear their uniforms with pride.

A comprehensive, fair and expeditious investigation is the only way to restore the respect

and admiration which the ADF merits.

Patrick O’Callaghan, Bray Park

**********

FINES WELL DESERVED

NORMALLY one is dubious, if not suspicious, of any government revenue-raising methods.

But l fully support the use of clandestine cameras in anyway which way they can in capturing irresponsible drivers using their mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts (C-M, Dec 11).

These offenders are not only a danger to themselves, but fellow motorists.

It’s not about filling government coffers – although an expected $597m windfall from hidden cameras in the next financial year in Queensland won’t go astray – it’s about saving lives.

If this 74-year-old veteran can cop a fine for not wearing a seat belt in the back seat of a taxi on Coronation Drive after seeing his dentist, so can a driver behind a “lethal weapon” of his car for not wearing a seatbelt or precariously being distracted by his mobile phone.

Once it was about running red lights and speeding offences, now it’s predominantly about the illegal use of mobile phones.

Surely a message can wait until you pull over or arrive at your destination. A fine of $1000 and four demerit points will not make for a jolly Christmas.

Rudolf Bojtschuk, Brisbane City

**********

Join the conversation. Send your letters to couriermail.com.au/letters or email to [e-mail]