Sky News host Sharri Markson says in 2020 there were already “so many tariffs” and various trade bans imposed on Australia by China, and it looks like “this will only escalate in 2021”.

Ms Markson said Dan Tehan’s elevation to the role of trade minister “comes at such a critical time” for the nation’s international relations with China.

Mr Tehan spoke with Ms Markson about the government’s approach to its trade policy.

He said trade policy will “be based on three things”.

“First of all, a very proactive approach – so we’re going to be perusing market opportunities in the European Union … with the United Kington.

“We’re going to look to re-boot our approach to India.

“We’re also going to look at opportunities with Vietnam, continued opportunities with Japan.

“We’ve got new opportunities with a new administration in the United States.

“We should always be diversifying, … we’ve also got to be very principled,” he said.

“Also, we’re going to be patient”.