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China’s decision not to talk to Trade Minister Simon Birmingham after attacking the barley and beef industries represents a “huge diplomatic failing” according to Australia Institute Deputy Director Ebony Bennett. “China is so enormous we can’t afford to just ignore it, we’d have to go to many, many, many other nations to set up trade with them before it would replace what the single Chinese market offers in terms of trade,” she told Sky News. “It’s a huge problem that must be resolved. “The only way out of it is going to be effective diplomacy.” Ms Bennett criticised outspoken government backbenchers who have branded the trade strikes “payback” and “too much of a coincidence” after a warning from the Chinese ambassador to Australia that anti-China rhetoric could result in a boycott of Australian education, tourism and agriculture.