Meanwhile, China clearly has something to hide:
"The bitter battle between China and Australia has now exploded onto the world stage, after 100 nations joined Canberra in calling for an inquiry into the spread of coronavirus, including the UK. The European Union, alongside several other countries including the UK, Australia and New Zealand, are pushing for an inquiry into how the pandemic has been handled and what lessons can be learned. In April, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demanded an independent probe into the deadly respiratory virus and the World Health Organisation 's handling of the crisis. In response, Chinese state media and leaders warned of trade retribution that could wipe $135billion from the Australian economy. After weeks of threatening to boycott the meat and barley industries and restrict travel and foreign education opportunities, China on Monday announced an 80.5 per cent levy on barley exports starting on Tuesday."
There appears to have been a trade dispute between China and Australia for a year now. Not good timing however, especially as China has asked countries to 'back off" for any inquiry into the virus. Interesting in MM's post also, the mention of over 100 countries joining together wanting an inquiry. Keyword there is joining together, no one can do it on their own. China's decision on tariff's against Australia in the current climate won't do them any favours either.
Here's a piece from the BBC ticker:
Australia dealt barley trade hit by China
This morning, Australia was dealt another blow from its biggest trading partner, China. Barley exports will now face an 80% tariff from Beijing, their main market. For Canberra, it's the unhappy result of a years-long trade dispute and they may appeal to the World Trade Organization.
But stepping back from the trade matter, Australian observers are also fearing that this move is retribution for virus matters.
Australia has been pushing for a global inquiry into the virus' origin and spread - against China's wishes. The campaign has gained momentum - with the EU now on board too and advocating a review through the World Health Organization.
China has denied that its trade move is linked to that, but there is alarm in Australia. Last week, its four top beef producers had their China imports suspended. And last month, China's ambassador warned of a consumer boycott if Australia continued with the inquiry.
Canberra called this a threat of "economic coercion". It's vowed to stick with its values, and go ahead with the probe.