Coalition backbencher wants to know why ambassador threatened a trade boycott after Australia called for international inquiry into coronavirus

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Diplomatic tensions between Australia and China may be reignited with an extraordinary threat by a Coalition backbencher to summons the Chinese ambassador to answer questions from a parliamentary committee.

While the attempt to compel the ambassador to appear at a hearing in Canberra is almost certain to fail because of diplomatic immunity, the push interrupts a pause in public sparring between the two governments over the response to Covid-19.

North Queensland backbencher George Christensen will seek the British Government's permission to meet with the WikiLeaks founder ahead of his extradition hearing next year.