Tensions between the two countries have reached new heights in recent months . After Australia began seeking support from European leaders for an investigation into China’s response to the coronavirus —which first spread widely in the Chinese city of Wuhan—China slapped restrictions on imports of Australian beef, barley and wine. It also warned its people against traveling to Australia , whether as a tourist or a student, saying racial discrimination against Chinese people was rising there. China is Australia’s biggest two-way trade partner and top export destination, and coal is second only to iron ore among Australia’s exports by value. China buys 25% of Australia’s coal exports. An outright ban on Australian coal could violate World Trade Organization obligations as well as a free-trade agreement between the two countries. Traders say that Chinese coal buyers are behaving as if the restrictions are real: Demand for Australian thermal coal in […]