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Analysts point out that prior to any formal meetings, Albanese attempted to sidestep raising the port issue—claiming he wouldn’t bring it up unless directly asked. Yet, subsequent statements suggest that China’s Premier Lee and other Chinese officials are exerting diplomatic pressure, linking economic incentives, such as the purchase of iron ore, to political concessions like controlling the port.
Economic Coercion and Shifting Alliances
The Chinese government’s use of tariffs exemplifies its broader strategy of economic coercion. In response to Australian questions on climate and trade issues, China imposed more than $20 billion in tariffs on Australian exports, underscoring the fragility of economic interdependence under geopolitical tension.