Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese started a visit to China this weekend aimed at boosting trade relations between the two nations.
On Sunday, Albanese met with Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, marking the first in a series of high-level discussions. Upcoming meetings will include talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress.
Albanese highlighted the significance of the trip, noting he is leading a large business delegation to China, which underscores the importance of economic ties. Upon arriving in Shanghai on Saturday, he told Chinese state broadcaster CGTN that the visit reflects the vital relationship between Australia and China.
During his weeklong stay, Albanese plans to meet with representatives from the business, tourism, and sports sectors in Shanghai and Chengdu. He will also participate in a CEO roundtable in Beijing on Tuesday, his office announced.
This marks Albanese’s second visit to China since his center-left Labour Party government was elected in 2022. The party was reelected in May with a larger majority.
Albanese has successfully worked to persuade Beijing to lift several trade barriers that were introduced under the previous conservative government, which cost Australian exporters more than 20 billion Australian dollars, or roughly 13 billion dollars US annually.
While China previously cut off communication with Australia over issues including calls for an independent investigation into COVID-19’s origins, Albanese aims to reduce Australia’s economic reliance on China, despite the country’s role as a key trading partner.
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