Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia as a pivotal moment in stabilising the relationship between Australia and China.
Highlighting the importance of high-level engagement and dialogue, Albanese emphasised the role of such interactions in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
“My Government has restored high-level dialogue and engagement with China through our patient, calibrated and deliberate approach. Dialogue is key to making progress on areas of shared importance, such as trade, education and climate change—and it allows us to pursue the national interest,” PM Albanese said in a statement.
Premier Li’s visit, the first by a Chinese Premier since 2017, featured a series of political, business, and cultural activities across Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. The visit marked a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties.
In Canberra, the leaders convened for their Annual Leaders’ Meeting, building on discussions held in Beijing in November 2023.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Albanese addressed a wide range of Australia’s interests, including consular issues, human rights, trade, maritime incidents, as well as regional and multilateral matters. This comprehensive dialogue underscored the critical importance of open communication in advancing shared interests and managing differences.
Following the discussions, Australia and China signed several agreements aimed at fostering closer cooperation in areas such as trade and economic issues, education, climate change, and culture. The leaders also welcomed renewed collaboration in fields of mutual interest, including competition, food safety, measurement standards, intellectual property, and tourism.
PM Albanese observed: “Trade remains the cornerstone of our relationship and my Government’s steady engagement has resulted in the removal of almost all trade impediments on Australian exports to China, but there is still more work to do. Our renewed engagement is critical to managing our differences and underpins our approach to this important relationship.”
In Perth, the Australia-China CEO Roundtable—the first since 2017—provided a platform for business leaders from both countries to exchange perspectives and strengthen trade and investment ties. This meeting underscored the significance of economic collaboration, with two-way trade with China reaching a record $327 billion in 2023, accounting for 27 per cent of Australia’s total goods and services trade.
The Government’s consistent engagement with China has successfully led to the removal of almost all trade barriers on Australian exports to China. Prime Minister Albanese used this visit as an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of the remaining impediments.
In addition to political and economic engagements, Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li attended an event celebrating Chinese–Australian communities, recognising their valuable contribution to Australian society.
Overall, Premier Li’s visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to stabilise and enhance the Australia-China relationship.
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