Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit China this weekend where he aims to fortify economic ties with an important trading partner. This marks Albanese's second official visit to the country, taking place in the context of a recovering relationship following years of tensions marked by various disputes, most notably Chinese sanctions against Australian exports.
Over the course of the six-day trip, Albanese will convene with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Albanese has articulated a balanced approach stating that his government will "cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest."
China holds a crucial role in Australia's economy, accounting for nearly a third of its total trade. Albanese emphasized the importance of this relationship for job creation, asserting, "The relationship with China means jobs in Australia. It's as simple as that." His Labor Party government, recently re-elected with an increased majority, has placed job creation and revitalization of domestic manufacturing at the forefront of its agenda.
Analysts view Albanese’s journey as a pivotal moment in stabilizing bilateral ties, even amidst Australia expressing concerns over China’s military ambitions in the Pacific. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles recently highlighted the need for clarity regarding China's military build-up. However, James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute, indicates that both nations are keen to manage their differences while allowing sectors like trade and cultural exchange to thrive.
While the visit may not sit well with Washington, Laurenceson points out that Albanese enjoys domestic backing. With the U.S. pursuing policies contrary to Australia's interests, leaders who appear overly aligned with American directives may encounter resistance in Australia.
China continues its critique of Australia’s involvement in the Aukus pact, a trilateral security agreement with the UK and the U.S. Despite potential friction over issues like this and discussions on China's South China Sea conduct, experts believe these disputes will not derail the overarching relationship.
During his trip, Albanese will be accompanied by key business leaders from top Australian firms, signaling a strong focus on economic engagement. He is also expected to explore avenues for collaboration in green energy between the two nations.
China’s state media has described Albanese’s visit as carrying significant weight, reflecting Australia's search for stable partnerships in an unpredictable global landscape. Since Albanese's historic visit in late 2023—the first by an Australian leader in seven years—there has been a concerted effort to smooth relations, leading to the resolution of past tariffs and fostering a more constructive diplomatic environment.
