Foreign Minister says China trade issues a concern for Australian government

The Australian government is seeking answers from China after languishing lobsters fuelled more tensions between the two nations.

The federal government is “seeking clarity” from Chinese authorities over the threat of Australian lobsters dying at Chinese airports, the latest instance of trade tensions between the two countries.

The Australian lobster shipments facing inspections on arrival in China this week shocked the seafood industry and sparked fears the wait for checks would cause the produce to spoil.

On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said the federal government was focused on solving the issue.

“The reports of difficulty of accessing goods in China are of concern to us and we are continuing to seek clarity from Chinese authorities – both here in Australia and in China,” she told reporters.

“There has been a consistent denial of any targeting of Australian products and a commitment spoken of in relation to observation of the trade rules.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne urges China to adhere to World Trade Organisation rules. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWire

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said China was inspecting between 50 and 100 per cent of Australian rock lobsters, citing concerns about trace elements of metals.

“We’re a fair country, we play by World Trade Organisation rules and we expect those we trade with to do that,” he said.

“We expect China to play by WTO rules and if they don’t, we’ll have to make consideration with industry around what our next action is around the independent umpire.”

Ms Payne said Australia was known for its “reliable” seafood produce and also urged China to act in accordance with WTO rules.

“I would also urge the authorities to address the concerns of industries like the seafood industry so that their produce is able to enter in an appropriate manner without disruption,” she said.

“We are regarded as a strong, reliable supplier of quality produce.

“We expect trade with China to be undertaken consistent with WTO obligations and that has been our least expectation.”