Iron ore price, page-21460

China dangles carrot over free-trade dealMichael Smith and Tom McIlroyMay 18, 2020 – 12.00amSaveShareShanghai
Canberra China has sought to defuse tensions with Australia insisting it is committed to the free-trade deal and would like the two countries to "work together" despite disagreement over the Morrison government's proposed coronavirus inquiry.China's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday the trade deal – signed in 2014 after a decade of negotiations – had brought "concrete benefits" to both countries and its position on the agreement, which cut tariffs on most Australian exports, was unchanged.China's Foreign Ministry concedes the trade deal has brought about "concrete benefits". BloombergThe more conciliatory tone of the comments were in contrast to Beijing's criticism of Australia last week and could help allay fears in Canberra that the landmark trade deal is under threat."The implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement [CHAFTA] has brought concrete benefit to the people of the two countries," the Foreign Ministry said in a rare written response to questions from The Australian Financial Review."China strives to advance bilateral co-operation in all areas on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. This position is not changed. We would like Australia to join China halfway. We would like Australia to work with China together," it added, when asked if Beijing would review the trade deal in light of current hostilities.

Full steam ahead imho