Why China Is Falling Out With Australia (and Allies)

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China and Australia have become embroiled in a deepening political spat that is spilling over into trade. Even with some Chinese cities suffering power blackouts in December, the Beijing authorities continued to block coal shipments from Australia, underlining their determination. Miners aren’t the only exporters Down Under finding it harder to access their biggest market as tensions ramp up, nor is Australia alone in feeling heat. Other countries that have clashed with China, including Canada, the U.K. and India, have joined Australia in boosting cooperation and intelligence sharing, while the incoming U.S. president has promised a more united front against Beijing.