PM: Australia will ‘never yield its values’ for a relationship with China

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has doubled down on Australia’s approach to ongoing relations with China – stressing the government will continue to work positively but will not compromise on its national interests. Asked about the country’s relationship with China ahead of a press conference to be held by China’s ambassador this afternoon, the prime minister said “we are dealing with a lot of global instability at present and there are many relationships that are strained”. “We want a positive relationship, but we will have a positive relationship that is consistent with Australia acting in accordance with its values and its national character,” he said. “That will never be something we would yield for the sake of a relationship.”