Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to take a tough stance on trade during his upcoming visit to China. It is expected that he will decline a request from Beijing for Australia to support its entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a regional free trade agreement.
This visit by Albanese marks the first time an Australian Prime Minister has traveled to China since 2016. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, initiated by former Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Both sides have been working for the past 18 months to stabilize the relationship, and China views this visit as a new starting point for another 50 years of bilateral relations.
While the Chinese government expresses optimism about the visit, the Australian government anticipates challenges and differences of opinion. However, it believes that engaging in dialogue at the highest level is the best way to navigate these issues. A senior official stated, This is not a relationship that is the same as it was in 2016… but is stabilizing a relationship that’s extremely important to Australia, and dealing with China in a way that is consistent with regional stability and security.
Despite the aim for re-engagement, the Australian government plans to address trade concerns during talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Their approach centers on cooperating where possible but also disagreeing when necessary.
This news highlights the evolving dynamics of the Australia-China relationship. While diplomatic ties are being celebrated, there is recognition that challenges lie ahead. The Australian Prime Minister’s visit aims to restore dialogue and engage with China, while also addressing trade issues. Both countries recognize the significance of their relationship for regional stability and security.
It remains to be seen how China will respond to Australia’s expected decline in supporting their entry into the CPTPP. The negotiations and discussions during this visit will provide insights into the future direction of this crucial bilateral relationship.
