China

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, reiterate serious concern regarding China’s imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong. 

Beijing’s disqualification of duly elected Legislative Council lawmakers seriously undermines Hong Kong’s democratic processes and institutions, as well as the high degree of autonomy set out in the Basic Law and Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The Government is disappointed and deeply concerned that Chinese authorities have decided to prosecute Australian citizen and academic Dr Yang Hengjun (Dr Yang Jun).

Statement on consular support for two Australians in China

The Australian Government has been informed that an Australian citizen, Ms Cheng Lei, has been detained in China.

The Australian Government remains deeply concerned about China’s imposition of a broad national security law on Hong Kong. 

Signatories to this statement reiterate our deep concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong.

We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong.

The Australian Government is deeply concerned by reports that unjustified duties may be levied on Australian barley imports into China.

Australia and 15 other members of the World Trade Organization have agreed to establish an interim arrangement to bring appeals and solve trade disputes.