Free trade talks with Australia underway

Australia and China resumed free trade talks yesterday after a delay of 14 months, a move the Australian government said proved their healthy trading relationship, although Chinese experts say future uncertainties still remain.

AFP said the talks, which are due to last three days, are being held in Canberra. Trade Minister Simon Crean said Australia's vast resources sector was the subject of intense interest from China, while adding that the framework should reflect the importance of investment as a "two-way street".

"Because Australia too has significant interest in getting greater investment into the Chinese economy", he was quoted as saying.