China’s investment in Australia has plunged to its lowest levels since 2007

A new report from KPMG and the University of Sydney shows Chinese companies invested U.S. $585 million in Australia last year, which is down from a peak of U.S $16.2 billion in 2008.

It comes as relations between the two nations remain sour. Australia has previously called for an independent review into the origins of Covid-19, and a ban on foreign interference.

But Chinese officials have responded with trade sanctions, which have affected Australian wine, seafood and coal exports.

Australia was once a large destination for Chinese investment. In fact, the two nations signed an historic Free Trade Agreement in 2015, with a key focus on economic growth and creating jobs.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese says he will not make concessions to China. The newly-elected Albanese is in Europe for a series of talks with NATO leaders.

“The resistance of Ukraine has brought democratic nations closer together which have a shared commitment to rules-based, international order,” he says.

But Chinese officials believe it is irresponsible to place Ukraine and Taiwan in the same basket.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says “Taiwan is by no means Ukraine,” and labelled Albanese’s comments as “irresponsible”.