Thursday, 5 January 2023

Australia news live: year’s first Covid numbers to reveal impact of new variant; population report due

The XBB.1.5 variant spread rapidly in the US, but it’s unclear if it will have a similar effect in Australia. Follow the day’s news live

AAP is reporting that Australia-China relations appear on the mend amid reports Beijing will allow coal imports to resume for the first time since 2020.

It’s the latest positive step between the two nations after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November and Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her counterpart in Beijing last month.

Now that high-level government-to-government meetings between Australia and China have recommenced, we have a better environment in which to address trade restrictions that are in place between the two countries.

The resumption of high-level meetings sends a strong, positive signal to the Chinese system and business community about Australia’s role as a business partner for China.

The change is more important politically than economically ... This action signals China has made the first step towards mending the relationship.

Technically, it is not difficult for the Chinese government as the ban has never been officially announced ... however, the implication is significant as it indicates China’s willingness to improve the bilateral relationship.

People in the Kimberley are experiencing a one-in-100-year flood event, the worst flooding WA has ever seen.

This situation is still changing and it’s proving to be extremely challenging.

Continue reading...

from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/IDWt2ie

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