Thus, Chinese coal companies have been looking to purchase more coal from outside China. Because of its proximity, high-level of development and abundant natural resources, Australia had been the target of a number of these Chinese acquisition efforts. One such purchase attempt had generated negative press and strained relationships between the two governments. In June 2009, Australia-based Rio Tinto rejected China’s Chinalco’s bid to purchase its major mining assets and partnered with rival BHP Billiton in a shocking last-minute effort. Despite the tensions, Chinese companies continued to buy overseas assets.