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Australian prime minister Albanese begins China trip to strengthen trade ties
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has embarked on a weeklong visit to China, aiming to fortify economic relations between the two nations. The visit, which commenced this weekend, includes high-level meetings with top Chinese officials and a focus on rebuilding trade following years of strained ties.
High-profile meetings and delegation
Albanese began his visit in Shanghai, where he met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining on Sunday. This marks the first of several significant engagements, including planned discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress.
The Australian leader is accompanied by a large business delegation, highlighting the economic importance of the trip. Speaking to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN upon his arrival in Shanghai, Albanese emphasized the significance of the Australia-China economic partnership.
Economic focus and trade diversification
The visit comes as Albanese’s government works to repair relations with Beijing, which had soured under the previous conservative administration. Albanese has successfully negotiated the removal of trade barriers imposed by China, which had cost Australian exporters more than 20 billion Australian dollars (13 billion USD) annually.
While seeking to improve ties with China, Albanese has also stressed the importance of reducing Australia's economic reliance on the country. Speaking before the trip, he noted the government’s efforts to diversify trade by strengthening partnerships with regional neighbors, including India, Indonesia, and ASEAN nations.
“The relationship with China is an important one,” Albanese stated, “but so are our export relationships with the north Asian economies of South Korea and Japan.”
Regional impact and improving ties
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency published an editorial describing relations with Australia as steadily improving. The piece noted that the two nations have no fundamental conflicts of interest and emphasized the potential for mutual prosperity through cooperation.
The visit also includes stops in Chengdu and Beijing, where Albanese will engage with tourism and business leaders. A CEO roundtable scheduled for Tuesday in Beijing underscores his government’s commitment to fostering trade opportunities.
This visit marks Albanese’s second trip to China since his Labor Party first took office in 2022. His leadership has been credited with resetting Australia-China relations, which were previously strained over issues such as Australia’s call for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.
By focusing on shared economic interests while managing differences, the visit seeks to solidify a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations.