Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reported “significant progress” in relations with China following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his four-day state visit.
Albanese, who landed in Shanghai on November 4, is the first Australian leader to visit mainland China in seven years. The visit is seen as a pivotal step in thawing relations following a series of trade and security disputes.
During the bilateral talks, President Xi Jinping warmly greeted Albanese with a handshake and acknowledged his role in stabilizing the relationship since his election. Both leaders underscored the importance of the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations, which have brought mutual benefits over the course of five decades.
President Xi, in his opening remarks, expressed optimism that the relationship had now embarked on a path of improvement, emphasizing the importance of a “healthy and stable China relationship” for the common interests of both nations. He noted that normalizing diplomatic relations was a joint effort, acknowledging the need to address and resolve lingering issues.
Xi says China, Australia can become trusting partners
The Chinese President told the Australian Prime Minister that the two countries had the potential to become “trusting partners” and were progressing on the “correct path of improving and developing relations,” as reported by state broadcaster, CCTV.
China and Australia, Xi said on Monday, “have no historical grievances or disputes and no fundamental conflict of interests, and can totally become mutually trusting and mutually successful partners”.
The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as the China-Australia free trade agreement, climate change, and the green economy. “Where there are efforts to cause disturbances in the Asia Pacific region, we must firstly stay vigilant, and secondly oppose them,” the Chinese leader added.
Australian PM hails progress in ties
The Australian Prime Minister hailed “significant progress” in China-Australia relations following discussions with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
“I think there are promising signs. We’ve already seen a number of the impediments to trade between our two nations removed and an uplift already, substantial uplift, in the trade between our two nations” he said.
China and Australia agree to improve trade ties
During a significant meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi and PM Albanese discussed the importance of unimpeded trade and expressed willingness to move beyond recent tensions. A strong relationship “will be beneficial into the future,” Albanese told Xi in their second face-to-face talks in a year, a meeting that lasted more than an hour.
Historically, both countries had strong trade ties, with China as a significant trading partner for Australian food and natural resources. However, tensions had arisen, including Australia’s accusations of Chinese political meddling, the ban on Huawei equipment, and a call for a COVID-19 origin inquiry. These issues led to strained relations, with China warning its students against studying in Australia.
Despite these challenges, both leaders are working towards improved cooperation and mending relations. President Xi expressed his gratitude for past efforts by Australia, hoping for a brighter future in their bilateral relationship.