On the Nature of Things | Forum

noddy wrote: ↑Mon Aug 03, 2020 3:59 am

YMix wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:13 pm BWeF4kP3DzM

doing her best to make tennis interesting

YMix wrote: ↑Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:45 pm I was operating under the mistaken impression that country living is peaceful and relaxing.

noddy wrote: ↑Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:33 am the suffering is short and the rewards in heaven, high.

lamb.jpeg

NapLajoieonSteroids wrote: ↑Thu Apr 15, 2021 7:41 am New Australian Navy Ship Commissioned By Twerking

Foreign Minister Marise Payne takes the international lead in calling for a global inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, including China's handling of the initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan.

China places an import ban on four Australian abattoirs citing health labelling infringements on beef products. The four meatworks represent 35 per cent of Australia's $3.5 billion beef export trade to China.

Beijing imposes a massive 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley imports, saying the product has been imported against trade rules. The tax will stay for five years, and is expected to wipe out Australian sales - worth up to $1.5 billion a year - into China.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism urges people not to travel to Australia, citing a "significant increase" in racist attacks in the wake of COVID-19. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says Beijing's claims are false and have "no basis in fact".

The Government issues a new warning on travel to China, saying Australians may face “arbitrary detention”. Australians in China who are considering returning home are told to “do so as soon as possible”. China responds by saying Australians have nothing to fear if they obey the law.

Australia suspends Australia’s extradition treaty with Hong Kong and makes visa changes to allow workers and students to extend their stay in Australia, including pathways to citizenship.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs upgrades its travel advice for citizens, saying Australian “law enforcement authorities arbitrarily search Chinese citizens and seize their items”.

China launches an anti-dumping probe into Australian wine exports, making good on earlier threats to the sector. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says our wine is highly sought after in China because of its quality. “Australian wine is not sold at below market prices and exports are not subsidised.”

Wang Xining, Beijing’s deputy ambassador in Canberra, gives a speech calling Australia treacherous and disrespectful, and says its actions on COVID-19 "hurt the feelings of the Chinese people".

New laws are announced to block undue Chinese influence over Australia, allowing the federal government to veto controversial agreements with foreign nations. The move threatens Victoria's controversial Belt and Road Initiative agreement, but also deals involving unis and local councils.

China hits Australian winemakers again, launching a second investigation into the $1.07 billion trade to determine if the industry unfairly benefits from up to 40 government subsidies.

The Government reiterates the risk of "arbitrary detention" for Australians in China after two journalists - the ABC's Bill Birtles and the AFR's Michael Smith - are rushed to safety. They spent days sheltering in diplomatic compounds after local police demanded interviews with them.

Another farming sector is dragged into Beijing's attacks on trade, with reports China’s General Administration of Customs will apply “enhanced inspection” efforts on shipments of Australian wheat. Shipments already sold to China for December and January are worth approximately $250 million.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says the Government has contacted China through diplomatic channels over reports Chinese customs authorities had told companies to stop importing Australian coal - a move threatening $14 billion a year in exports.

The Australian reports government officials had advised China-exposed businesses in Australia to “find other markets”, as reports in a Chinese state-controlled tabloid appeared to confirm unprecedented bans on Australian wine, lobster, copper, sugar, timber and coal.

The Australian reveals coal exports to China have plunged by 96 per cent in the first three weeks of November amid a go-slow by Chinese officials. More than 80 ships with cargo worth $1.1bn are stuck off the Chinese coast.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce says Australian winemakers have been found guilty of dumping wine in China and harming its local industry. Tariffs of between 107% and 212% are imposed, with Trade Minister Simon Birmingham saying they make the Chinese market "largely unmarketable, unviable".

After China targets timber exports and more beef suppliers, cotton and wheat farmers are warned they are likely to be next in line, taking the total of Australian agricultural goods banned, disrupted by customs or hit by tariffs to more than $7 billion.

News emerges that Beijing has formalised its black-listing of Australia’s $14 billion coal export industry at a high-level meeting. Meanwhile, The Australian reports ASIO is investigating after it revealed Chinese Communist Party members had infiltrated Western embassies, including Australia’s.

Australian Ambassador Graham Fletcher tells the Australia China Business Council that businesses could lose their China market at any time because “Beijing has decided to send a message to Canberra”. He says the tactic has left China exposed as an unreliable trading partner and "even vindictive".

Foreign Minister Marise Payne tears up Victoria’s controversial Belt and Road agreements with China under veto powers that allow the Commonwealth to block deals deemed against the national interest. The Chinese Embassy says Australia "will only end up hurting itself".

A formal agreement has been cancelled so easily. Australians, is your country a uncivilized rogue that deserves stern admonition and punishment?

NapLajoieonSteroids wrote: ↑Wed Jul 21, 2021 6:27 pm

"I'd say they're unraveling in Australia. We could've ended up like this here [Italy] as well."

Nonc Hilaire wrote: ↑Fri Sep 24, 2021 1:50 am When the police kill citizens by shooting them in the back ‘to protect their health’ it’s a problem.