Australia seeks clarificatIon on China coal import block

The Australian government says it is seeking an urgent clarification from Beijing over reports that a major Chinese port has halted imports of Australian coal.

Camberra sought to play down speculation on Friday that the matter may be linked to bilateral tensions.

Report shows that only Australian coal had been affected, with no limits placed on Indonesian and Russia shipments.

Beijing has not confirmed the reported halt in the port of Dalian, but called changes in such arrangements normal.

Australia is a top supplier of coal to China which is her biggest export market.