Australia says, will still push for inquiry into coronavirus origins

Canberra: Australia  Australia says it will continue to push for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, even if it hurts trade relations with China.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison had been accused of playing deputy sheriff to the United States after calling for the inquiry. On Thursday, he brushed off the criticism.

We have always been independent, we have always pursued our national interests, and we always will, he told reporters. We will always be Australians in how we engage with the rest of the world, and we will always stand our ground when it comes to the things that we believe in and the values that we uphold. China has suspended beef imports from four abattoirs and plans to impose tariffs on Australian barley, after warning the inquiry could harm two-way trade ties.