Australian government raises fears about the 'human cost' of China coal standoff
by Daniel Hurst from on (#5CVR2)
Like other Australian ministers, Keith Pitt has been unable to secure a call with his Chinese counterpart amid ongoing tensions
The Morrison government is appealing to China to rule out discriminating against Australian coal, with the resources minister raising fears about the human cost" of the standoff as seafarers are stuck aboard more than 70 ships waiting to unload the product.
In an interview with Guardian Australia, Keith Pitt said the cost of coal had increased as a result of the impasse but Canberra was yet to hear anything through official channels" about any change in Beijing's treatment of the Australian commodity.
Continue reading...