Australian and Chinese officials to hold critical trade negotiations in China next week

Australian and Chinese officials will meet in Beijing next week in an effort to resolve continuing trade disputes between the two countries.

The Chinese government rolled out hefty tariffs, unofficial bans or other restrictions against a range of Australian export sectors at the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020, including wine, barley, coal, timber and lobster.

While some progress has been made in recent months, such as the resumption of the coal trade, the wine and barley tariff disputes are considered more complex, with World Trade Organization rulings due in coming months.

It is understood the talks stem from an agreement between the Australian trade minister, Don Farrell, and the Chinese commerce minister, Wang Wentao, when they met virtually on 6 February.

The pair agreed to enhance dialogue at all levels to pave the way to a timely and full resumption of trade. There is growing speculation Farrell and Wang could meet in person in China in the coming weeks.

Ayres also confirmed he had raised the cases of the detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei and writer Dr Yang Jun during the meeting on Wednesday.

Ayres said he did not believe the announcement of the Aukus nuclear-powered submarine plans three weeks ago would disrupt efforts to stabilise the relationship.