WA Premier Mark McGowan 'concerned' over China row amid fears iron ore industry may suffer

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-01/wa-premier-calls-for-cool-heads-in-china-row-amid-iron-ore-fears/12939094

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan says he is concerned the multi-billion dollar iron ore industry will be next on China's tariff hit list as the trade war with Beijing intensifies.

Key points:

• China has imposed tariffs on a number of Australian export products
• A Chinese official also posted a controversial image on social media
• Mark McGowan has called on both countries to seek to resolve the row

Mr McGowan urged cool heads to prevail so the relationship with Australia's largest trading partner could return to a level footing.

The bilateral relationship has deteriorated further since a senior Chinese official posted a controversial and graphic social media image of an Australian soldier, something Prime Minister Scott Morrison described as "repugnant".

China is now imposing tariffs on Australian wines, the latest export product dragged into the escalating dispute.

"I am concerned," Mr McGowan told reporters when asked if he thought iron ore could be hit too.