The Federal Government is fuming after New Zealand's Trade Minister suggested Australia could mend ties with China by showing its government more "respect."
Key points:
- Damien O'Connor's comments have also drawn some domestic criticism
- Some Australian MPs have expressed frustration when asked about the comments
- New Zealand was absent from a statement issued by the other Five Eyes countries
China and Australia are mired in several disputes and Beijing has targeted multiple Australian exports with sanctions, although the campaign of economic punishment has not escalated further so far this year.
In contrast, New Zealand this week formally signed an upgrade to its 2008 free trade deal with China.
In an interview discussing the deal, New Zealand's Trade Minister Damien O'Connor was asked about a suggestion from their Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta that the nation could mediate between Australia and China.
Mr O'Connor said New Zealand had a "mature" relationship with China and could raise issues of concern, but added it also respected its trade ties with Beijing.
"If [Australia] were to follow us and show respect, I guess a little more diplomacy from time to time and be cautious with wording, they too could hopefully be in a similar situation [with China]," he said.
