Australia Rejects Chinese ‘Economic Coercion’ Threat Amid Planned Virus Probe

Marise Payne has cautioned China against attempts at “economic coercion” as Australia pushes for an investigation into the CCP virus pandemic.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Canberra, Australia on Feb. 6, 2020. Andrew Taylor/AFP via Getty Images

SYDNEY—Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has cautioned China against attempts at “economic coercion” as Australia pushes for an investigation into the CCP virus pandemic.

Australia last week called for all members of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support an independent review into the origins and spread of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, and is lobbying world leaders.