The Federal Government has called on China to resolve a standoff involving an Indian ship carrying Australian coal, one of more than 50 currently stranded off the Chinese coast.

Trade minister Simon Birmingham raised concerns about the welfare of the Indian seafarers who remained on board, while making a broader appeal to the Chinese government to cease “what seems to be a recurring targeting of some Australian industries”.

The Indian-flagged vessel carrying coal from Australia arrived at the port of Jingtang in mid-June but has been waiting five months to be allowed to berth.

Mr Birmingham said crew on board the vessel were in need of urgent relief and are mentally and physically exhausted due to unprecedented prolonged stay on board.

The ship is carrying about 160,000t of coking coal from Anglo-American’s Queensland mines.

The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the relationship between China and Australia, which has resulted in a series of bans on Australian commodities, including coal, timber and barley .

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