Australia and China have made headway toward resuming “unimpeded trade,” but more is needed, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a regional meeting in Indonesia on Thursday.
Albanese, who assumed office in 2022 as the head of government with the goal of repairing relationships with Australia’s largest trading partner, also said that he would visit China this year, the first visit by an Australian leader since 2016, and a significant step in repairing ties.
The progress we’ve achieved in restoring unhindered trade is beneficial to both countries, and we want to see it continue, Albanese said in his opening remarks at a meeting in Jakarta.
For years, relations between the two countries were effectively frozen due to a variety of issues, including an Australian desire for an international investigation into the origins of COVID-19. China retaliated against Australian exports with a slew of economic sanctions.
However, as their exchanges heat up, China has lifted tariffs on Australian barley exports. Australia continues to demand that export restrictions on wine, lobster, and other products be eased. Albanese stated that while Australia’s opinions may not always coincide with those of China, they must communicate. “We understand that dialogue is absolutely critical,” he said.
Li also hailed the improvement in relations, saying China was ready to collaborate with Australia to resume economic exchanges and ensure regional peace and stability. According to Li, China-Australia ties have maintained a strong momentum of improvement over the last year as a result of both sides’ joint efforts.
China believed that Australia will be “objective and fair” to Chinese enterprises investing and operating in Australia. The good news on bilateral relations came as the world’s second-largest economy’s dismal data sparked concerns in other markets about its prospects.
On Wednesday, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that a downturn in China will put pressure on the Australian economy. According to Chinese customs statistics released on Thursday, imports from Australia fell 0.8% year on year in August, slower than the 10.9% drop in July.
As trade relations improved, the value of their to-way commerce increased to $18.59 billion last month from $18.21 billion in July. Li also stated that he will visit Albanese during his trip to China, while the Australian prime minister mentioned the anniversary of the first visit to communist China by an Australian leader, then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, in 1973.
Albanese said in a statement that he is looking forward to visiting China later this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Prime Minister Whitlam’s momentous visit. Albanese stated that he brought up human rights instances in his discussions, including two arrested Australian journalists, Cheng Lei and Yang Hengjun, telling reporters that Australians “want to see Cheng Lei reunited with her children.”
Albanese will fly to the Philippines next, the first bilateral visit by an Australian leader in 20 years, during a period of heightened tension between the Philippines and China in South China Sea waters they both claim. Australia performed military exercises near the South China Sea with the Philippines last month and has stated that it plans joint maritime patrols.
China said on Thursday that it looks forward to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s planned visit and the strengthening of ties between Beijing and Canberra.
According to foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, the Chinese side welcomes Prime Minister Albanese to visit China at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, and that “a healthy and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.”
Both countries’ relationships have been strained in recent years. Nonetheless, the Australian Government is dedicated to a mutually beneficial and respectful engagement with China in which they can pursue their joint objectives while being consistent with their own national sovereign interests. According to political specialists, this visit will undoubtedly strengthen the sick relationship and steer it in a healthy and good direction.
