Australia trades “constructively” with China but relies on diverse partnerships, Ambassador says

By Méabh Mc Mahon & Angela Skujins Published on 13/05/2026 - 9:26 GMT+2 Share Comments Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copied

After almost a decade of negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clinched a free trade agreement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Australia in March. The agreement aims to remove over 99% of tariffs on EU goods & boost other ways of cooperation.

Australia's Ambassador to the EU and NATO Angus Campbell just told Europe Today that Australia has a “constructive” and “very significant trade relationship with China” – but that Australia’s success relies on diverse partnerships.

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“Australia trades into North America, into ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), to South Asia, to North Asia and into Europe,” he said.

“We're an island continent dependent on global trade, on the rules of trade and free trade agreements matter because they enable the prosperity for all.”

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• European Commission
• Trade war
• Australia