Never mind all that... China is always looking for reasons to take offence with the democratic free world. The article below is much more interesting and may work out well for IO and FMG...

European Union looks to Australia over Russia for critical materials

ByRachel Clun

June 30, 2022 — 5.00am

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The European Union wants to turn to Australia for the supply of critical raw materials including lithium and iron ore and move away from relying on Russia, as negotiations resume on a free trade agreement.

Head of trade and economics at the EU Delegation in Australia Cornelis Keijzer said the war in Ukraine and Australia’s sanctions on Russia due to that conflict have brought Australia and the EU closer together.

At the same time, he said the EU is looking to move away from relying on Russia for energy and raw materials and find other sources.

“We’re looking for new sources. So that is what we’re looking for, from Australia: the possibility to source those raw materials now from Australia,” he toldThe AgeandThe Sydney Morning Herald.

“Things like lithium, cobalt, critical materials, but also iron ore. We want to buy from Australia, no longer from Russia.”

Trade Minister Don Farrell said Australia would be very keen to supply critical minerals to the EU as part of the agreement.