Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday.

"Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest".&nbsp;

The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department.&nbsp;

Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's.&nbsp;

Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year.&nbsp;

China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education.&nbsp;

Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.&nbsp;

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries.

Australia said Tuesday it "would be contrary to national interests" to allow a Chinese firm to buy a major dairy producer, the latest sign of souring relations between the two countries. The $430 million sale of Lion Dairy and Drinks, currently owned by Japan's Kirin, to Mengniu Dairy had been awaiting regulatory approval since November, but the Chinese firm pulled out of the deal Tuesday. "Given this approval is unlikely to be forthcoming at this time, Lion and Mengniu Dairy have mutually agreed to cease the current sale process," Lion said in a statement. Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Although Australia's consumer watchdog had earlier cleared the deal, Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement on Tuesday that the sale "would be contrary to the national interest". The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Frydenberg's stance was against the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and his own department. Earlier this year the Australian government moved to tighten rules covering foreign investment in the country, with temporary measures allowing increased oversight on takeovers of local firms during the pandemic. Just last year, Inner Mongolia-headquartered Mengniu was given approval to purchase of one Australia's largest baby formula manufacturers, Bellamy's. Relations between China and Australia continue to worsen since Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year. China, Australia's biggest trading partner, has since threatened economic blowback on Australian goods including barley and beef as well as tourism and higher education. Most recently Beijing launched a probe into Australia wine, alleging the country was selling to China for less than it cost at home -- a claim rejected by the Australian government.

Australia blocks Chinese firm's bid to buy major dairy firm

Antarctic air reaching&nbsp;Australia's south east triggered snowfall down to low altitudes across several states on Saturday, with many people out enjoying the rare event despite wild winds and heavy snow that closed some roads.

Pictures of snowy towns and landscapes across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, the&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;Capital Territory and the island state of Tasmania flooded social media as locals rushed to capture the surprise early spring snowfall.

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Does it normally snow in Australia in August? Seems odd… <a href="https://t.co/EYHOqYj2kh">https://t.co/EYHOqYj2kh</a>
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According to the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, Australia’s capital city of Canberra is set to experience its “coldest day” of the year.

Over one metre (3.3 feet) of snow had fallen in a number of alpine regions, and the cold weather would likely remain for several days, the bureau said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Snow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Snow</a> has made for some beautiful scenes at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MtMacedon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MtMacedon</a> this morning. ❄️ These wintry conditions are set to hang around for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vic</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSW</a> all weekend. Is there more snow on the way for you? You can find out by using <a href="https://t.co/CX9zhCmju3">https://t.co/CX9zhCmju3</a>. <a href="https://t.co/gmuicINPyM">pic.twitter.com/gmuicINPyM</a>
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The wintry blast caused temperatures to fall overnight to as low as 2 Degree Celsius in Victoria&nbsp;and 3.8 Degree Celsius in Melbourne.

The sudden snowfall in the east coast has been caused by an ‘Antarctic blob’, a strong and powerful weather system, which has also brought icy winds, thunder and hail to elevated areas in the region.

The blizzard-like conditions prompted local authorities to close several roads across New South Wales’ Central West and Southern Highlands.

Antarctic air reaching Australia's south east triggered snowfall down to low altitudes across several states on Saturday, with many people out enjoying the rare event despite wild winds and heavy snow that closed some roads.

Antarctic air reaching Australia's south east triggered snowfall down to low altitudes across several states on Saturday, with many people out enjoying the rare event despite wild winds and heavy snow that closed some roads. Pictures of snowy towns and landscapes across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, the Australia Capital Territory and the island state of Tasmania flooded social media as locals rushed to capture the surprise early spring snowfall. Does it normally snow in Australia in August? Seems odd… https://t.co/EYHOqYj2kh — Michael Moran (@TheMichaelMoran) August 22, 2020 × According to the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, Australia’s capital city of Canberra is set to experience its “coldest day” of the year. Over one metre (3.3 feet) of snow had fallen in a number of alpine regions, and the cold weather would likely remain for several days, the bureau said. #Snow has made for some beautiful scenes at #MtMacedon this morning. ❄️ These wintry conditions are set to hang around for #Vic and #NSW all weekend. Is there more snow on the way for you? You can find out by using https://t.co/CX9zhCmju3. pic.twitter.com/gmuicINPyM — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) August 21, 2020 × The wintry blast caused temperatures to fall overnight to as low as 2 Degree Celsius in Victoria and 3.8 Degree Celsius in Melbourne. The sudden snowfall in the east coast has been caused by an ‘Antarctic blob’, a strong and powerful weather system, which has also brought icy winds, thunder and hail to elevated areas in the region. The blizzard-like conditions prompted local authorities to close several roads across New South Wales’ Central West and Southern Highlands.

Polar winds trigger rare snowfall across southeast Australia

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens.

Australia has signed a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca&nbsp;to produce and distribute enough doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine for its population of 25 million, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said late on Tuesday.

The Australian government estimates that up to 95 percent of the population would need to be immune to the virus for it to be irradicated.

All Australians will be offered doses but a medical panel will determine the priority list of vaccine recipients, Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-manufacture-coronavirus-vaccine-and-inoculate-people-for-free-says-pm-morrison-321505" hreflang="en">We will manufacture virus vaccine and inoculate people for free: Australian PM</a>

"Naturally you would be focusing on the most vulnerable, the elderly, health workers, people with disabilities in terms of the speed of roll out, but I think there would be widespread uptake in Australia," Hunt said.

AstraZeneca last month said good data was coming in so far on its vaccine for COVID-19, already in large-scale human trials and widely seen as the front-runner in the race for a shot against the novel coronavirus.

The vaccine, called AZD1222, was developed by Britain`s University of Oxford and licensed to AstraZeneca.

The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 400 Australians, has coincided with a sharp uptick in online misinformation, speculation and opposition to vaccines, something experts have dubbed an "infodemic".&nbsp;

A flare up in infections in Australia`s second most populous state of Victoria forced authorities two weeks ago to impose a nightly curfew, tighten restrictions on people`s movements and order large parts of the state's economy to close.

The southeastern state has seen a slowdown in new cases in recent days, allaying fears of a nationwide second wave of infections. 
Victoria reported 216 new daily cases in the last 24 hours compared with 222 a day earlier. It reported 12 deaths compared with 17 on Tuesday.

Despite seeing a surge of new infections in the past month, Australia has largely avoided the high casualties of other nations with just under 24,000 infections and 450 deaths from the virus.

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens.

A fresh outbreak of infections in Australia's coronavirus hot zone of Victoria appeared to have eased on Wednesday, as the country signed a deal to secure a potential COVID-19 vaccine that it intends to roll out free of cost to its citizens. Australia has signed a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to produce and distribute enough doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine for its population of 25 million, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said late on Tuesday. The Australian government estimates that up to 95 percent of the population would need to be immune to the virus for it to be irradicated. All Australians will be offered doses but a medical panel will determine the priority list of vaccine recipients, Health Minister Greg Hunt said. Also read: We will manufacture virus vaccine and inoculate people for free: Australian PM "Naturally you would be focusing on the most vulnerable, the elderly, health workers, people with disabilities in terms of the speed of roll out, but I think there would be widespread uptake in Australia," Hunt said. AstraZeneca last month said good data was coming in so far on its vaccine for COVID-19, already in large-scale human trials and widely seen as the front-runner in the race for a shot against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, called AZD1222, was developed by Britain`s University of Oxford and licensed to AstraZeneca. The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 400 Australians, has coincided with a sharp uptick in online misinformation, speculation and opposition to vaccines, something experts have dubbed an "infodemic". A flare up in infections in Australia`s second most populous state of Victoria forced authorities two weeks ago to impose a nightly curfew, tighten restrictions on people`s movements and order large parts of the state's economy to close. The southeastern state has seen a slowdown in new cases in recent days, allaying fears of a nationwide second wave of infections. Victoria reported 216 new daily cases in the last 24 hours compared with 222 a day earlier. It reported 12 deaths compared with 17 on Tuesday. Despite seeing a surge of new infections in the past month, Australia has largely avoided the high casualties of other nations with just under 24,000 infections and 450 deaths from the virus.

Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease

As Australia recorded the highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that the internal city borders will stay sealed, until further notice.

Australia records biggest daily rise in COVID-19 deaths

Heavy rains and strong winds have been lashing Australia's eastern coast and housing properties on the beaches stand at the risk of being swept away. Watch report.

Devastating storm lashes Australia's eastern coast

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe.

The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-deploys-disaster-teams-to-virus-hit-care-homes-316704" hreflang="en">Australia deploys disaster teams to virus-hit care homes</a>

“Naming a species is the first step to understanding that species,” said CSIRO entomologist Dr Bryan Lessard. “Without a scientific name, these species are invisible to science.”

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Morning <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishemsworth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishemsworth</a>! Check out your new assassin fly species 'bronteflavus', meaning blond thunder named by <a href="https://twitter.com/TheScienceRobin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheScienceRobin</a> from our team at <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIRO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIRO</a>. <a href="https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ">https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/YR2LFeVYVD">pic.twitter.com/YR2LFeVYVD</a>
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The Stan Lee’s fly was named for characteristic markings that look like the comic titan’s sunglasses and white moustache, while the Deadpool’s fly has marks on its back that resemble the character’s red-and-black mask, CSIRO said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-australia-seek-new-military-cooperation-as-tensions-soar-with-china-316595">US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China</a>

“We chose the name Humorolethalis sergius,” Lessard said, referring to the Deadpool’s fly. “It sounds like lethal humour and is derived from the Latin words humorosus, meaning wet or moist, and lethalis meaning dead.”

All five species are robber flies, which are assassins of the insect world, according to CSIRO.

While two species are named after wise-cracking anti-hero Deadpool and another after superhero creator Stan Lee, the other three are named for Marvel characters Loki, Thor and Black Widow.

Naming new species is fun but can also be vital for saving human lives and species, said CSIRO bee and wasp expert Dr Juanita Rodriguez.

“We discovered a new species of spider wasp that is only found in an area badly impacted by bushfires this summer, so now we can carefully monitor its recovery,” Rodriguez said. “Spider wasps have venom that could be useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.”

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe. The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report.

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe. The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report. Also read: Australia deploys disaster teams to virus-hit care homes “Naming a species is the first step to understanding that species,” said CSIRO entomologist Dr Bryan Lessard. “Without a scientific name, these species are invisible to science.” Morning @chrishemsworth! Check out your new assassin fly species 'bronteflavus', meaning blond thunder named by @TheScienceRobin from our team at @CSIRO. https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ pic.twitter.com/YR2LFeVYVD — Dr Bryan Lessard (@BrytheFlyGuy) July 28, 2020 × The Stan Lee’s fly was named for characteristic markings that look like the comic titan’s sunglasses and white moustache, while the Deadpool’s fly has marks on its back that resemble the character’s red-and-black mask, CSIRO said. Also read: US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China “We chose the name Humorolethalis sergius,” Lessard said, referring to the Deadpool’s fly. “It sounds like lethal humour and is derived from the Latin words humorosus, meaning wet or moist, and lethalis meaning dead.” All five species are robber flies, which are assassins of the insect world, according to CSIRO. While two species are named after wise-cracking anti-hero Deadpool and another after superhero creator Stan Lee, the other three are named for Marvel characters Loki, Thor and Black Widow. Naming new species is fun but can also be vital for saving human lives and species, said CSIRO bee and wasp expert Dr Juanita Rodriguez. “We discovered a new species of spider wasp that is only found in an area badly impacted by bushfires this summer, so now we can carefully monitor its recovery,” Rodriguez said. “Spider wasps have venom that could be useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.”

Australia names new species of flies after Marvel superheroes

Australia is set to face the largest budget deficit since World War II when the federal government hands down the country's economic standing on October 6. Watch report.

Australia's biggest deficit since world war 2

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states.

Morrison asked the speaker of the parliament to cancel a two-week session due to start on August&nbsp;4, out of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The request was seen as a formality as the speaker is a member of Morrison's Liberal Party and the opposition Labor Party accepted the call. Lawmakers are expected to meet in the capital Canberra on August 24 instead of August&nbsp;4.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-researchers-invent-20-minute-coronavirus-blood-test-313975">Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test</a>

"The government cannot ignore the risk to parliamentarians, their staff, the staff within the parliament and the broader community," Morrison said, adding he acted based on the advice of medical authorities.

On Friday, Victoria state reported a record 428 new infections, while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections.&nbsp;

Victoria forced nearly five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks on July 9 in the country's second most-populous state, as expectations of harsher social-distancing restrictions were growing with the virus continuing to spread.

In March, all parliamentary sittings were cancelled until August, but as the risks from the coronavirus decreased in the following months, special sessions and some sittings took place.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said his Labor party accepted the government's move to cancel the next sitting but said there should have been more opportunities for a discussion.

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government will issue further income support to tackle deteriorating confidence across the country, in addition to the already implemented A$70 billion ($49 billion) wage subsidy scheme.

"There's a lot of uncertainty in the economic environment and the Victorian situation is a significant setback," Frydenberg told The Age newspaper in an interview published on Saturday.

"It's diminished confidence beyond the Victorian border and the recovery is a confidence game. So, maintaining business and household confidence is going to be critical."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday delayed the opening of parliament for several weeks as the new coronavirus continued spreading through the country's two most populous states. Morrison asked the speaker of the parliament to cancel a two-week session due to start on August 4, out of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was seen as a formality as the speaker is a member of Morrison's Liberal Party and the opposition Labor Party accepted the call. Lawmakers are expected to meet in the capital Canberra on August 24 instead of August 4. Also read: Australian researchers invent 20-minute coronavirus blood test "The government cannot ignore the risk to parliamentarians, their staff, the staff within the parliament and the broader community," Morrison said, adding he acted based on the advice of medical authorities. On Friday, Victoria state reported a record 428 new infections, while neighbouring New South Wales said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings as authorities struggle to contain a new wave of infections. Victoria forced nearly five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks on July 9 in the country's second most-populous state, as expectations of harsher social-distancing restrictions were growing with the virus continuing to spread. In March, all parliamentary sittings were cancelled until August, but as the risks from the coronavirus decreased in the following months, special sessions and some sittings took place. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said his Labor party accepted the government's move to cancel the next sitting but said there should have been more opportunities for a discussion. Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government will issue further income support to tackle deteriorating confidence across the country, in addition to the already implemented A$70 billion ($49 billion) wage subsidy scheme. "There's a lot of uncertainty in the economic environment and the Victorian situation is a significant setback," Frydenberg told The Age newspaper in an interview published on Saturday. "It's diminished confidence beyond the Victorian border and the recovery is a confidence game. So, maintaining business and household confidence is going to be critical."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread

Australia approved the anti-viral drug&nbsp;remdesivir&nbsp;for the treatment of COVID-19 on Friday following a similar decision from the European Commission.

It is the first drug approved by Australian authorities to treat the virus and&nbsp;promised to reduce hospitalisation time for coronavirus patients, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA) said in a statement.

"By reducing recovery times, patients will be able to leave hospital earlier, freeing beds for those in need," the TGA said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-purchases-almost-entire-global-stock-of-potential-covid-19-cure-remdesivir-309844">US purchases almost entire global stock of potential COVID-19 cure Remdesivir</a>

The drug was given provisional approval for adults and adolescent patients and would be limited to those severely unwell from the virus, needing help to breathe and in hospital care, the authority noted.

"While this is a major milestone in Australia's struggle against the pandemic, it is important to emphasise that the product has not been shown to prevent coronavirus infection or relieve milder cases of infection."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gileads-remdesivir-prevents-lung-damage-in-covid-19-study-on-monkeys-304645">Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys</a>

The decision comes after the EU's executive arm cleared the drug, which was originally intended as a treatment for Ebol,&nbsp;for use while Washington bought up almost all supplies.

Recently the US said it had purchased 92 percent of all remdesivir from its producer, Gilead Sciences, until the end of September, about 500,000 treatments out of nearly 550,000.

Several other Asian nations have also approved the drug for treatment against COVID-19.

Australia's call to approve the drug was made on "preliminary clinical data" and aided by reports from the EU's European Medicines Agency and Singapore's Health Sciences Authority.

Australia approved the anti-viral drug remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 on Friday following a similar decision from the European Commission. It is the first drug approved by Australian authorities to treat the virus and promised to reduce hospitalisation time for coronavirus patients, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA) said in a statement.

Australia approved the anti-viral drug remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 on Friday following a similar decision from the European Commission. It is the first drug approved by Australian authorities to treat the virus and promised to reduce hospitalisation time for coronavirus patients, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA) said in a statement. "By reducing recovery times, patients will be able to leave hospital earlier, freeing beds for those in need," the TGA said. Also read: US purchases almost entire global stock of potential COVID-19 cure Remdesivir The drug was given provisional approval for adults and adolescent patients and would be limited to those severely unwell from the virus, needing help to breathe and in hospital care, the authority noted. "While this is a major milestone in Australia's struggle against the pandemic, it is important to emphasise that the product has not been shown to prevent coronavirus infection or relieve milder cases of infection." Also read: Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys The decision comes after the EU's executive arm cleared the drug, which was originally intended as a treatment for Ebol, for use while Washington bought up almost all supplies. Recently the US said it had purchased 92 percent of all remdesivir from its producer, Gilead Sciences, until the end of September, about 500,000 treatments out of nearly 550,000. Several other Asian nations have also approved the drug for treatment against COVID-19. Australia's call to approve the drug was made on "preliminary clinical data" and aided by reports from the EU's European Medicines Agency and Singapore's Health Sciences Authority.

Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment

Australia&nbsp;warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid&nbsp;growing tensions between the two nations.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''.

Australia&nbsp;has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia&nbsp;relations".

Tension between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus.

Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians.

Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''. Australia has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China. Also read: China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law." Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped Australia would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia relations". Tension between Australia and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus. Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians. Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China

A late surge in the coronavirus infections has forced Australia to seal off the state of Victoria from the rest of the country from midnight Tuesday

Coronavirus: Australia closes Victoria-New South Wales border

Australia fights Coronavirus: 127 cases and 1 death reported in last 24 hours

Australia&nbsp;is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday&nbsp;after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had&nbsp;announced officially that his country would offer immigration rights to the people of Hong Kong in the aftermath of China passing the controversial national security law in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-extends-immigration-rights-to-hong-kongers-on-23rd-anniversary-of-citys-handover-309917">UK extends immigration rights to Hong Kongers on 23rd anniversary of city's handover</a>

Even before the law was formalised, the UK had promised assistance to Hong Kongers if China went ahead with the legislation. As per this promise, those in possession of the British National Overseas passport could live in the UK, and work there. This would pave the way for citizenship.

The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison in Hong Kong, which was guaranteed freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula at its 1997 handover.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/none-of-your-business-china-slams-foreign-critics-over-hong-kong-law-309907">'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law</a>

China says the law is necessary to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces following anti-government protests that escalated in June last year and plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the law will not affect Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, nor investor interests.

The passage of the law has drawn international condemnation and more than 300 people on Wednesday&nbsp;were arrested as protesters took to the streets in defiance of the sweeping security legislation.

Australia is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub.

Australia is working on a scheme to provide "safe haven" proposals for Hong Kong residents, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday after China imposed a new national security law on the financial hub. On Wednesday, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced officially that his country would offer immigration rights to the people of Hong Kong in the aftermath of China passing the controversial national security law in Hong Kong. Also read: UK extends immigration rights to Hong Kongers on 23rd anniversary of city's handover Even before the law was formalised, the UK had promised assistance to Hong Kongers if China went ahead with the legislation. As per this promise, those in possession of the British National Overseas passport could live in the UK, and work there. This would pave the way for citizenship. The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison in Hong Kong, which was guaranteed freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula at its 1997 handover. Also read| 'None of your business': China slams foreign critics over Hong Kong law China says the law is necessary to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces following anti-government protests that escalated in June last year and plunged the city into its biggest crisis in decades. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the law will not affect Hong Kong's rights and freedoms, nor investor interests. The passage of the law has drawn international condemnation and more than 300 people on Wednesday were arrested as protesters took to the streets in defiance of the sweeping security legislation.

After UK's passport plan, Australia working on 'safe haven' proposal for Hong Kong residents

After recent rains, the dam on Kevin Tongue's property near Tamworth in New South Wales is more than three metres deep. Looking back to 2018, the dam had been empty for months during one of the worst droughts on record, decimating his wheat and barley crop.

From bone-dry to lush greenery, rainfall brings respite for Australian farmer

Sydney has been hit by its heaviest rain in 30 years. Australia's weather agency said 391.6mm of rain had fallen in the past four days in Sydney, About 100,000 homes are running without power

Sydney Records Heaviest Rain In 30 Years

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