Australia joins coalition of nations urging end to US-China trade war

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg joins finance ministers of Canada, Singapore and Indonesia to call for compromise on trade

The treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, has joined Australia's voice to a coalition of nations urging the US and China to abandon their trade war, arguing the entire global economy is suffering as a result.

In a pointed plea that doesn't mention the economic superpowers by name, but is unmistakably aimed at them, the treasurers and finance ministers of four middle-power nations - Australia, Canada, Singapore, and Indonesia - have warned "the risks of collateral damage are growing".