INFO:

Australia should use the COVID-19 crisis to recalibrate the nation’s economy and “wean ourselves off” dealing with authoritarian nations who view us as the enemy, according to Sky News host Peter Gleeson. Australia’s diplomatic relationship with China has soured ever since the federal government called for an international investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has conceded farmers may be forced to turn away from the Chinese market as trade tensions continue to escalate. In the last month alone, China threatened to place a close to 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley exports and suspended imports from four separate Australia abattoirs, one of which is Chinese owned. Mr Gleeson said the crisis shows China is a “bully with a chip on their shoulders.” “We must rely less on China and more on our allies,” he said. “China is not an ally. They are bullies with a chip on their shoulder.” “Let’s use the national cabinet as a weapon to wean ourselves off dealing with countries that see us as their enemy. Image: AP