AUSTRALIA — Chinese authorities have suspended timber exports from Victoria in the latest escalation of tensions between Australia and its biggest trading partner, raising fears of local job losses. The trade block comes after reports of curbs being placed on Australian exports of lobster, barley, wine, copper and coal destined for China, although Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed the restrictions. It has also prompted further questions about the Andrews government’s decision to sign its own Belt and Road agreement with China. …China’s customs agency then issued a notice saying it had detected a bark beetle in Queensland logs heading to China. On Thursday the Australian Forestry Products Association confirmed Chinese customs authorities had cited similar concerns about pests in Victorian timber, resulting in the suspension of local exports.