Australia news live: Penny Wong wins jet fuel pledge from China in Beijing visit; US lawmaker says Aukus price might go up
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that China has agreed to facilitate jet fuel exports to Australia following talks in Beijing, aiming to address supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts. Wong emphasized the importance of reciprocal trade, noting Australia's role in supplying China with critical raw materials and food. The agreement marks an initial step toward stabilizing fuel supplies in the Indo-Pacific region.
- ▪Penny Wong stated that the Chinese government is facilitating engagement between Australian businesses and Chinese entities on jet fuel exports.
- ▪China had previously paused fuel exports at the start of the Middle East conflict to safeguard its domestic supply.
- ▪Wong raised concerns with Chinese leaders about the disproportionate impact of the Strait of Hormuz blockage on Indo-Pacific refineries.
- ▪She called for greater trade reciprocity, urging reliable Chinese exports of gasoline, kerosene, and fertilizers to match Australia's commodity exports to China.
- ▪The discussions took place during Wong's meetings with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Vice-President Han Zheng.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
16.37 EDTPenny Wong says China has agreed to help with jet fuel exportsAustralia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says China has agreed to work to facilitate exports of jet fuel, in an attempt to ease supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, AFP reports.China, a major exporter of jet fuel and diesel to Australia and other countries, has avoided the worst of the war’s energy impacts thanks to its vast oil stocks, but paused exports at the start of the war to protect its domestic supplies.“I can confirm … that the Chinese government is facilitating engagement with Australian businesses on jet fuel,” Wong told reporters in Beijing after talks with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and the Chinese vice-president, Han Zheng.She added that the move was “an important step,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
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