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Australia's trade minister is attempting to downplay perceptions of a brewing trade war with Beijing after the regime accused Australia of pushing for a coronavirus inquiry for political reasons.

The Morrison government was blindsided after China suspended exports from four Australian abattoirs including three in Queensland and one in New South Wales.

The suspension comes just days after China threatened to impose 80 per cent tariffs on Australian barley.

Chinese Foreign Minister spokesman Zhao Lijian said there was no link between the meat suspension and the coronavirus probe, saying the four abattoirs violated inspection and quarantine requirements.

However in the same speech, Mr Zhao accused Australia of pushing for the COVID-19 probe for political reasons.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham did his best to assure Australians it was not the beginning of a trade war, saying the government’s intention was to “work as cooperatively as we can with our partners right across the world”.

Meanwhile, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg revealed he tested negative for COVID-19 after he was advised by the deputy chief medical officer to get tested after suffering a coughing fit during his address to parliament yesterday.

Image: Getty