Australian PM Albanese Visits China to Reestablish Economic Ties

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in China on Monday (November 6), making him the first top Australian official to do so in seven years.

Before leaving for Shanghai, the prime minister told reporters that it was in Australia's "best interests" to have a bilateral relationship with China with dialogue and cooperation.

He also said in his speech at the annual China International Import Expo in Shanghai that Australia would continue to work constructively with China. Chinese Premier Li Qiang was also present at the event.

Pleased to be in Shanghai, marking the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue between our two countries over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/Z92aIeFeGQ
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 4, 2023

Reestablishing Ties with China

Reuters reported that Albanese's visit was the first for an Australian prime minister since 2016 as part of an effort to patch up relations that deteriorated over several years due to disputes over Chinese telecom firm Huawei, espionage, and COVID-19.

The prime minister said he welcomed Li's comments at the expo and described them as "very positive." Li responded that China would further expand market access and imports.

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said he expected impediments on Australian seafood and red meat products to be removed "in a very short space of time" after meeting with his Chinese counterpart over the weekend.

"Along with the other economies in our region, Australia and China have prospered thanks to the certainty and stability that is made possible by rules-based trade," Albanese said, according to an official transcript.

Australian PM Albanese Visits China to Reestablish Economic Ties — Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese speaks to the press before a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office in the White House on October 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese will participate in a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office, a joint press conference, and a state dinner in the evening. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Albanese's Itinerary

Albanese also met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he intended to address human rights concerns, specifically the detention of Australian nationals, and advocate for transparent legal processes.

In particular, Albanese was expected to raise to Xi the detention of 58-year-old Yang Hengjun without conviction for almost five years, among other cases of detained Australian nationals. He would also raise concerns over rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Alongside Albanese and Farrell on the trip was Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over lunch.