Why is China punishing Australia? The human impact of the trade war | Four Corners

Over the last twelve months, China has launched a wave of trade sanctions against Australia.

Industry after industry has been hit with a range of punishing measures, from massive new taxes to import restrictions.

As a result, many Australian products have effectively been banned from entering China, leaving the businesses that rely on this trade in peril.

But why is China punishing Australia and who is at risk?

From the barley fields of WA’s salt lake country to the lobster trawlers of Hobart, Four Corners reveals the human and financial cost of the ongoing dispute.

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[Coumei]

I don't think "China punishing Australia", I think "Australia seeks punishing from China" on behalf of USA. Current Australia administration's only foreign policy is blindly following US.

[riceballu]

US's words: We stand with you Australia, don't crack under pressure!

US's actions: hey China, I can sell you Maine lobster, california wines, iron ore and everything that you don't want from Australia!

[shanhuichen]

This is the consequence of being a puppy of US instead being the president of your people's interest.

[joseaguerra]

It seems China has learned from the US in terms of applying sanctions as a form of a promoting “Free trade practices”!

[JW-xrkb]

This story tells us “if you want an enemy, you will have an enemy”.

[seanlee]

Australia: *talks shit about china every chance, bans huawei and tech companies, talks about decoupling

China: *starts the decoupling

Australia: why is china punishing me???!!! Economic bullying!!!!

[Fightback]

The title should be "Why is Australia committing economic suicide?"

[stephenhwang]

It's simple you cannot depend largely on China's huge import of Aust exports and yet on the other hand you are following America's anti-China policy.

[yongyong]

i buy coffee only from customer-friendly shops.

[jioklgt]

Australia has joined the US and its allies in declaring a Cold War on China, and China has responded accordingly.

[faisalbashir]

Moral of story, You cant fight war while having business with each other.

[diyerwoo]

Not even one interviewee says anything like " Aussie government should change their way towards china".

[demonsrexis]

Actually it's very simple, if KFC accusing their customers for being chicken abusers, they will stop eating KFC fried chicken.

[Helpmegetsubscriberswith-ovhk]

In 1950, we bombed North Korea/China, 1954 bombed Guatemala, 1958 bombed Indonesia, 1959 bombed Cuba, 1960 bombed Guatemala, 1964 bombed Kongo, 1964 bombed Laos, 1961 bombed Vietnam, 1969 bombed Cambodia, 1967 bombed Guatemala, 1982, Granada, 1983 bombed Lebanon, 1986 bombed Libya, 1980 bombed Ecuador, 1980 bombed Nicaragua, 1987 bombed Iran, 1989 bombed Panama, 1991 bombed Iraq, 1991 bombed Kuwait, 1993 bombed Somalia, 1994 bombed Bosnia, 1998 bombed Sudan, 1998 bombed Afghan, 1990 bombed Yugoslavia, 2002 bombed Yemen, 1991 bombed Iraq, 2003 bombed Iraq, 2011 bombed Afghan, 2007 bombed Pakistan, 2008 bombed Somalia, 2009 bombed Yemen, 2011 bombed Libya, 2014 bombed Syria.
But we are very concerned about China threatening the world.

[raymonddon]

when the world only talks about china, you know they made it.

[ydu]

Geo-politics aside. I feel bad for the men and women working in the agricultural industry especially those affected by sanctions.

[jiayangli]

“Don’t you stand up to the bullies?”funny, isn’t Australia standing WITH the biggest bully on this planet? Sadly, that big bully does not care about his ass-kisser.

[greywolf]

40% of Australian export went to China and Australia went to pick a fight with them. What to do.

[lealavaamalo]

The problem is that Australia and other countries put all their eggs in one basket which is utterly stupid and short sighted. At least you allowed resources in the ocean, land to recover.

[Rodney]

If you dont treat your customers friendly, then there is no reason they will be back shopping.