Scott Morrison is believed to have won over the support of the G7 nations after pushing back against Chinese aggression, which began when he called for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.
China has indicated plans to pull the pin on Australia s biggest earning export and diversify its iron ore supplies as tensions with Australia continue to simmer.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says there s little Australia can do to exit the Chinese freezer of punitive trade measures, and should instead continue to prioritise the protection of its sovereignty.
But he also warned gratuitous belligerence towards Beijing was unhelpful, saying quiet diplomacy should win the day over slogans and media headlines.
Mr Turnbull on Monday appeared at the Lowy Institute to launch a book on China by journalist Peter Hartcher, the same day that Australia and New Zealand sought in bilateral talks to project unity on China.
Beijing has in the past 12 months launched a series of damaging trade strikes against Australia after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.
Kiwi leader Jacinda Ardern will throw her support behind Australia s barley battle with China, as New Zealand takes a firmer stand on the authoritarian state.