China is approaching Japan and S. Korea to revitalize business amid spat with Australia and the U.S. (Image via Real Info News)

China looks forward to strengthening ties with Japan amid COVID-19 outbreak

China is seeking ways to alleviate its trilateral ties with its neighbors, Japan, and South Korea (S. Korea). The step emerged during the spat between China, the United States (U.S), and Australia. The U.S and Australia are most well-known to be partners with Japan and S. Korea.

While the bilateral relations between Beijing and Washington are expected to be better after the 2020 U.S Presidential Election, Beijing is approaching Tokyo and Seoul for economic revival after the end of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Many foreign affairs experts are looking forward to the foreign policies China will adopt at the upcoming National People’s Congress, scheduled to be held next Friday.

The condition between the U.S and China is worsening after the comment of the U.S President, Donald Trump. He said that Beijing failed to suppress the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which was first detected at the end of December 2019, failing to inform the world in a timely manner.

The POTUS also threatened that the U.S will completely “cut off the whole relationship” with China and impose tariffs as a punishment for Beijing’s failure.

Meanwhile, Canberra asked for an independent investigation to look for the origin of the SARS-CoV-2. The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, said that the independent investigation is needed to “learn the lessons”. While Australia is one of China’s largest trading partners, it will suspend beef imports from four major Australian meat processors.

The Chinese Embassy for Australia, Cheng Jingye, bashed Morrison’s statement and step, calling on Australia to put aside ideological biases, stop political games, and start promoting bilateral relations between China and Australia.

Furthermore, the Chinese Commerce Ministry will impose anti-dumping tariffs on Australian barley, following an 18-month investigation, a major blow expected to the Australian agricultural sector.

Source: https://bit.ly/2ZbQwIg