China accuses Australia of ’politically motivated’ coronavirus inquiry

Beijing has accused Australia of pushing for an inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic for political reasons, as trade tensions escalate between the two nations. The Morrison government was blindsided after China suspended exports from four Australian abattoirs including three in Queensland and one in New South Wales. The suspension comes just days after China threatened to impose 80 per cent tariffs on Australian barley. Chinese Foreign Minister spokesman Zhao Lijian said there was no link between the m