Shadow Foreign Minister Says China Trade Welcome, but Values Still Important

Australia’s shadow foreign minister supports the move to reinvigorate trade with Beijing, but says the nation must maintain its principles.

Senator Simon Birmingham during debate to Fair Work Amendment Bill 2021 in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on March 18, 2021. Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham says the federal opposition is pleased to see trade resume with Beijing, but Australia must also stand firmly on its democratic principles.

Birmingham spoke on ABC Radio National on the back of news Beijing had decided to allow Australia to export live rock lobsters after a years-long ban.