Sky News host Chris Smith says the Morrison government has made a conscious decision, as of today, to change tack in this childish trade onslaught at the hands of China.

Mr Smith said China has been conducting “all the warfare” and Australia has been “offering olive branches at every turn” in the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.

“Up until today, that’s what’s it’s been, an onslaught from Beijing, not a war”.

Mr Smith said Australia has “copped” outright bans or outrageous tariffs on a number of different exports.

“But today, the smaller Empire, Australia, seemed to be fighting back – not content with being punished and abused publicly.

“No less, three of our ministerial heavyweights, took the fight up to the communist regime”.

Mr Smith spoke of recent comments made by Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud and also Prime Minister Scott Morrison, all relating to China.

“There’s still no war, it’s been totally one-sided, but the government has gone from passive, to passive aggressive, in a very short space of time,” Mr Smith said.