China says Australia knows what’s needed to mend ties

Bloomberg

China indicated that it wants Australia to act to improve strained relations, saying Canberra should know what needs to be done to get ties back on track.
“China has been pragmatic in growing its business relations with all partners. A healthy relationship needs the nurturing and care of both sides,” Assistant Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang said at a press conference in Beijing. “Australia should know more clearly than China what it needs to do to improve this relationship.”
Ties between the two nations have worsened rapidly this year after Australia called for an investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic in China.
Beijing, meanwhile, has placed tariffs on Australian barley imports, banned some other imports and ordered traders to stop buying at
least seven commodities including coal and copper — actions which Australian ministers have labeled “economic coercion.”
Li’s comments were similar to a statement last week from China’s Foreign Ministry, which also urged Australia to act first.
“Mutual respect is the basis and prerequisite for state-
to-state cooperation,” ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said then.
“Once again we urge some in Australia to reflect upon their deeds, do more things that are conducive to mutual trust, cooperation and the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, and create favourable conditions and atmosphere for bilateral practical cooperation across the board.”