Australian PM to meet Presiden Xi in long-awaited China visit
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to engage in crucial discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an effort to alleviate years of strained relations between the two nations.
Albanese's arrival in Shanghai on Saturday marked a historic moment, as he is the first Australian leader to visit China since 2016. This visit carries significant importance in the process of thawing relations, particularly following a series of trade and security disputes that have persisted over the years.
The foremost item on the agenda will be trade, with PM Albanese advocating for the removal of Chinese tariffs on Australian goods. In return, Xi is expected to seek greater access to key Australian sectors.
PM Albanese articulated his approach to the situation by stating, 'What I've said is that we need to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in our national interest.' He made this statement while addressing reporters in Beijing in anticipation of the meeting.
This diplomatic initiative comes in the wake of a prolonged chilly period, exacerbated by various factors, including Australia's push for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Additionally, economic sanctions imposed by Beijing on vital Australian exports such as beef, wine, and barley have added to the tensions.
Furthermore, this visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of Gough Whitlam's iconic 1973 visit to China, where he met with Mao Zedong. This visit by Whitlam marked a historic milestone as the first trip by an Australian prime minister after the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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