Trade Minister Dan Tehan has told Sky News he has not yet received communication from his Chinese counterpart despite contacting them in early January.

Australia has experienced a communication freeze from the Chinese government with both former trade minister Simon Birmingham and newly appointed Trade Minister Dan Tehan not being able to contact their senior counterparts in the Beijing.

It comes as trade tensions escalated over the past 12 months resulting in high tariffs, blockades, and bans on several of Australia’s key export industries.

“I’ve written to my Chinese counterpart I did that in early January – we were both appointed about the same time,” Mr Tehan said.

The trade minister said despite “waiting patiently for a reply,” the two nations continue to engage at the “officials’ level”.

It also comes as New Zealand’s relationship with China has come under focus after the trade minister in Wellington criticised Australia’s approach to Beijing.

Mr Tehan said he spoke to New Zealand’s Trade Minister Damien O’Connor last week who indicated to him that “New Zealand will pursue their trade interests how they see fit and Australia should do the same”.

“When it comes to giving advice as to how that should be done, it’s best they stick to their interests and we stick to ours.”