Tony Abbott's Cabinet is expected to make a formal decision to sign Australia up to the new Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank on Monday, but the Greens say tighter environmental and human rights standards must be agreed to first.

"Cabinet should not commit to joining the new bank until tighter environmental and human rights standards have been agreed to," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

China's commitment to using Australia as an Antarctic gateway is welcome news for Tasmanians working in the science, research and shipping sectors, Greens senators said today.

"The Antarctic and Southern Ocean research sector is worth millions to the Tasmanian economy. China's commitment will help ensure it continues to play a strong role for years to come," Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says the reaction to trade barriers imposed by China on coal imports highlights the risks attached to the Abbott government's determination to protect old industry and big business profits.

"It's clear the main reason the Abbott government wants a Chinese free trade deal is to underpin coal mining expansion in the Bowen and Galilee Basins and expanded export volumes into the long term. Protecting the profits of the vested interests of the big end of town is his specialty," Senator Milne said.

The Australian Greens are calling on the Chinese Government to respect the calls from tens of thousands of protestors in Hong Kong who are campaigning for democracy and universal suffrage.

"The right to peaceful protest is a hallmark of democracy, as is the right of people to nominate for election. A free vote is not truly free when there are only vetted candidates to choose from," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The people of Hong Kong aspire to a healthy and prosperous future based on their commitment to democracy.

China's new coal import rules make it clear Australia is becoming a rust-bucket economy under the Abbott government, said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"There's China moving to cut pollution while in Australia we have a policy vacuum and a Prime Minister who wants our economy to be reliant on exporting coal pollution to the world," said Senator Milne.

"Tony Abbott is putting his hands over his ears and refusing to hear the loud message that investing in coal, and building coal ports and railways, will lead to stranded assets and is jeopardising our future prosperity.