China gave the Australian Government some good news yesterday in the form of an apology for the misunderstandings of the last couple of years. Just kidding, they still think we stink… The latest sideswipe is China’s suspension of all activities under the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue. The strategic what now? It was a forum for the Australian Treasurer and Trade Minister to hold talks with Chinese officials to discuss investment and trade deals, albeit one that hasn’t been active for 4 years… What seems to have got China’s goat is the Morrison Government’s recent shredding of 2 Belt and Road agreements between Beijing and Victoria. Long story short, the move will have little practical impact, but it means all high-level communications channels are kaput. Which is totally a technical diplomatic term… Trade Minister Dan Tehan said it was “disappointing”, but he’ll stand ready to take China’s call.