Meetings between Chinese and Australian trade officials last week may have helped with the recent thaw in China-Australia trade relations, with a meeting of high level trade ministers expected soon.

Several recent media reports indicate that China may be removing some restrictions on Australian coal imports, which could be a first step towards a broader easing of Australia-China trade conflict.

Ahead of an anticipated visit to China in February, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell offered some comments to the media about his view of the state of Australia-China trade relations and specific trade conflicts.

Today, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong visited China and met with Chinese Premier Wang Yi. Both sides expressed their willingness to push for a thaw in the currently icy bilateral relations and to reset those relations, by restarting dialogues and talks.

On the sideline of the G20 Summit on November 15, Chinese president Xi Jinping met with a number of leaders, from Asia-Pacific and Europe to Africa and South America. When meeting with Asia-Pacific and European countries, Xi emphasized a resilient supply chain and non-discriminatory treatment toward Chinese companies. When talking

Recent statements by Australian and Chinese officials may indicate an effort on both sides to tone down the rhetoric and look for solutions to Australia-China trade tensions that have escalated in recent years, but whether a resolution can be found remains to be seen.

A new report published by Australian think tank the Lowy Institute examines the current state of trade relations between China and Australia, and makes recommendations for Australia going forward.