BEIJING (AP) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on a visit to China this weekend, aiming to enhance trade relations between the two nations.
On Sunday, Albanese met with Chen Zinning from the Shanghai Party. This marks the beginning of a series of key meetings, including discussions with Xi Jinping, the Chinese national president, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and National Assembly Chairman Chao Regi.
The prime minister is bringing along a “very large business delegation” to signify the importance of economic ties between Australia and China, as he mentioned in an interview with China’s state broadcaster CGTN upon his arrival in Shanghai on Saturday.
During his week-long visit, Albanese is set to engage with business, tourism, and sports representatives in Shanghai and Chengdu, including a CEO roundtable planned for Tuesday in Beijing, according to his office.
He was also involved in signing an agreement between Trip.com, a major online travel agency in China, and Tourism Australia, which aims to draw more Chinese visitors to Australia.
This is Albanese’s second trip to China since his Central Left Labour Government took office in 2022, having been re-elected in May with an increased majority.
Albanese managed to convince Beijing to lift a number of trade barriers, both formal and informal, that were imposed by previous conservative administrations, which had cost Australian exporters over $20 billion annually.
Previously, communication with the former administration had been strained, particularly regarding calls for an independent investigation into Australian origins and responses to Covid-19. Yet, Albanese is focused on reducing Australia’s economic reliance on China.
“My government values our relationship with China very much,” Albanese stated during his encounter with Chen. “We want to keep interacting in a gentle and consistent manner while pursuing our national interests. Maintaining a good relationship with China is beneficial for us.”
An editorial from China’s state-run Xinhua Conference noted on Saturday that relations with Australia are “steadily improving” and gaining “fresh momentum.”
“There isn’t a fundamental conflict of interest between China and Australia,” the editorial claimed. “By managing our differences through mutual respect and concentrating on shared interests, both parties can reach common prosperity and advantages.”
