Australia should be looking at all trade and diplomatic avenues to put an end to ongoing disputes with Beijing, including to consider officially recognising Taiwan, says LNP MP George Christensen.

The relationship between Beijing and Canberra has intensified throughout 2020 with Australia first calling for a COVID-19 inquiry, which was quickly followed by ongoing trade actions on behalf of China.

Beijing first introduced tariffs against Australia’s barley before banning particular beef abattoirs, and then extending bans and tariffs to wine, timber, and now coal.

Mr Christensen said Australia has become China’s “guinea pig” as the communist nation attempts to send a message to nations across the globe.

“China is giving us a big shake in order to spook other countries from doing things which China might not be happy with including domestic laws that they’re not happy with”.

“It really would be beneficial for the free world to actually join together and say no we’re not going to let this happen, you are now using trade to interfere with domestic politics in other countries”.

Mr Christensen said he’d hope the Morrison government is looking at all avenues including making changes to foreign investment so as to prevent ownership by foreign state-owned corporations.

He also pointed to Senator Matt Canavan’s suggestion of putting a levy on Australian Iron Ore which China desperately needs and then using the profits to subsidise the industries affected by Beijing’s trade sanctions.

“There are also many political things we could do,” Mr Christensen said.

“The number one thing China would not want to do is for a country like Australia to officially recognise Taiwan as a nation. I hope that all those things diplomatically are on the table right now.

“If China wants to play hard ball, Australia can too.”