Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in China this weekend, leading a large business delegation in a diplomatic push to stabilize and expand trade relations. His visit, which includes meetings with top Chinese officials like President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, marks a shift from years of strained ties under the previous conservative government.
Albanese began his trip in Shanghai, where he met with Party Secretary Chen Jining and emphasized mutual interests in economic growth and cooperation. The prime minister also helped launch a tourism partnership between Trip.com and Tourism Australia to boost Chinese travel to the continent.
This is Albanese’s second visit to China since taking office in 2022. His government has worked to dismantle a series of trade barriers that cost Australian exporters an estimated $13 billion annually. Those barriers were imposed during the previous administration after Canberra pushed for an independent COVID-19 origin investigation, leading Beijing to sever communications and restrict key imports.
Albanese has taken a more measured tone, acknowledging the importance of China while warning against overdependence. He told state media the trip highlights Australia’s interest in strengthening economic ties, but with a clear focus on pursuing national interests.
Meetings this week will also include industry leaders and sports officials in Shanghai and Chengdu, culminating with a CEO roundtable in Beijing. Albanese’s delegation underscores his administration’s goal of deepening business ties without compromising sovereignty.
Chinese state media has welcomed the visit, describing bilateral ties as gaining “fresh momentum” and emphasizing shared prosperity. Both nations appear eager to manage differences with a renewed focus on economic cooperation, despite lingering strategic mistrust.
