Why has China appealed WTO ruling on Australian trade measures now?

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China Appeals WTO Ruling on Australian Trade Measures Amidst Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions

China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning Australia's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on three specific products: railway wheels, wind towers, and stainless steel sinks. This action follows a period of significant deterioration in diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations, with Australia having previously appealed to the WTO regarding Chinese tariffs on its wine and barley.
China's Formal Complaint to the WTO

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced its complaint to the WTO regarding Australia's trade measures on these three product categories. These measures include duties imposed by Australia, such as 10.9 per cent on Chinese wind towers, 17.4 per cent on railway wheels, and a substantial up to 60.2 per cent on stainless steel sinks. China's stated hope is for Australia to rectify these practices to restore normal trade conditions for the affected products.
Australia's Surprise at the Timing of the Appeal

Australia's Trade Minister, Dan Tehan, expressed surprise at the timing of China's appeal. He highlighted that two of the duties in question were implemented in 2014 and 2015, with the third duty imposed in 2019. Tehan noted that the typical procedures for raising concerns within the WTO framework or through bilateral channels had not been followed by China, prompting him to question the rationale behind the appeal being lodged at this particular juncture.
Broader Context of Bilateral Trade Disputes

This WTO complaint is occurring within a wider context of escalating trade disputes and diplomatic friction between China and Australia. Relations have been strained for several years, notably after Australia's decision to exclude Huawei from its 5G network in 2018 and its subsequent call for an investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In response, China has implemented tariffs and restrictions on various Australian commodities, including wine, barley, beef, coal, and grapes. Australia has also independently appealed to the WTO concerning China's tariffs on its barley imports.

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Why has China appealed WTO ruling on Australian trade measures now?

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