Canberra should not let past bias cloud judgment

Statistics released by the General Administration of Customs on Monday indicate China resumed imports of Australian barley in October, with the amount of the first batch of imports in more than three years reaching 313,700 tons worth $88.4 million.

Latest GAC statistics also indicate trade between China and Australia reached $189.88 billion from January to October, up 4 percent year-on-year, with China's imports from Australia rising 8.4 percent year-on-year. Speculation is high that other Australian exports to China such as lobsters and wine will resume soon, boosting the uptick in bilateral trade.

The rosier trade picture points to the new warmth that has been generated in the bilateral relationship since Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office and changed the country's policy course toward China.