Australia seeks direct resolution of trade dispute with China before WTO ruling

As Australia and China prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Wednesday, the trade minister, Don Farrell, said he was prepared to meet the Chinese commerce minister at any time and place to seek a resolution.

The WTO panel considering the barley dispute said it expected to issue its final report to the parties in the first three months of 2023.

Farrell is believed to be hopeful the issues between Australia and its largest trading partner can be sorted out by negotiation and discussion.

Guardian Australia understands Wong intends to raise a range of bilateral issues including trade, human rights and consular cases such as the plight of detained Australians Cheng Lei and Yang Hengjun.

The talks will include international and regional security developments, with Australia likely to reinforce its stance against any unilateral changes to the status quo regarding Taiwan.

The meeting will be followed by a working dinner before Wong flies back to Australia late on Wednesday.

China issued the invitation to Wong after the meeting between Xi and the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, on the sidelines of the G20 in Bali last month.

The Australian government views the trip as another small step in the stabilisation of the relationship with China, rather than a breakthrough in its own right.