Chinese coal industry official Cui Pijiang, director of the China Coking Industry Association has criticised Australia for 'biting the hand that feeds it' at a coal conference in Beijing.
In his forum address, Cui stated, "Although businesses can conduct effective, friendly and reasonable cooperation between the two countries, the political factors have to be considered," calling political comments made about China “Unfriendly” and “Irresponsible.”
With unloading of Australian coal at Chinese ports slowing down since January, Australia officials attending the conference were taken a back, by Mr Cui’s statements, as the Chinese Foreign Minister, has stated the slow downs for a product of more comprehensive checks.