Australia-China Trade Deal to Drive Exports Beyond Mining

Australia completed a free trade deal with China today, cementing ties with its biggest economic partner and reducing the nation’s reliance on resource exports.

“I am pleased to announce the completion of negotiations,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement following talks in Canberra with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi said in a speech to Australia’s parliament the trade accord would help diversify business ties between the two nations and called for closer strategic links.