Chinese premier to visit Australia as relations stabilise
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The news: Chinese premier Li Qiang will visit Australia on Saturday for a three-day trip, in the latest sign relations between the two countries are stabilising.
The numbers: Chinese tariffs are estimated to have hit Australian industries to the tune of around $20 billion. Li will become the first Chinese premier to travel to Australia since 2017, and will visit Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.
The context: Australia’s relationship with China plummeted during the Covid-19 pandemic, after former prime minister Scott Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus.
Beijing retaliated by slapping tariffs on a range of Australian industries and ceasing bilateral communications. Australia lodged complaints with the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made stabilising the relationship with the country's biggest trading partner a priority on taking government. After minister-to minister communication resumed Albanese became the first Australian leader to travel to China in November 2023.
China has since progressively lifted its tariffs, and Australia has dropped proceedings before the WTO.
But a number of diplomatic issues, including the detention of Australian Yang Hengjun, remain in place.
What they said: Announcing the trip in Canberra on Tuesday, Albanese said: “Australia has an interest in trade with China. China has an interest in receiving our magnificent goods because of their quality. This is a win-win".
The source: PMO
