The Chinese government is signaling both through its actions and propaganda messaging that the days of being overly reliant on Australian iron ore are coming to an end.
When precisely? Well, no one knows for sure, but given the burst of recent activity among Chinese mining companies in places like Sierra Leone, Algeria, and Brazil among others, it’s evident that they’re determined to develop alternative suppliers.
Also, the fact that Chinese state-media outlets like the often bombastic Global Times newspaper are now publishing a steady stream of stories that talk of this shift is another indication that the strategy has the blessing from the senior leadership.
And there’s nothing subtle about how they plan to use this lever. Yesterday, Global Times published a story with the headline “Australian iron ore could be the next item to feel the pinch of sour relations” that also referenced Beijing’s heightened interest in new sources of iron ore in Africa among other regions.
SUGGESTED READING:
- Global Times: Australian iron ore could be the next item to feel the pinch of sour relations by Yin Yeping
- News.com.au: Iron ore price: China’s plan to punish Australia through Brazil by Hannah Paine
