Australia 'open to dialogue' with China despite new economic hit The Federal Government remains open to "dialogue" with China after Beijing announced it was suspending high-level economic links with Canberra. The Chinese government announced today it is suspending all activities under the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, amid worsening relations between the two countries. Trade Minister Dan Tehan described China's decision as "disappointing" but did not reject moving forward with the $150 billion in two-way trade mechanism. READ MORE: "It is disappointing to hear that the NDRC has made this decision," Mr Tehan said. "The Strategic Economic Dialogue, which was last held in 2017, is an important forum for Australia and China to work through issues relevant to our economic partnership.